Fate's Shadow!

by Shadow_lulamoon

Rating: teen
Tags: Trixie, Flurry Heart, Adventure, Equestria Girls, Sex, Sunset Shimmer, Profanity, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 62653

Misfortune follows Shadow and his companions. Through these trials Shadow may find his purpose.

Some say fate can be unkind. The loss of his father at an early age has left Shadow emotionally scarred and unable to interact with anyone but his twin sister Trixie. Bord of school Shadow bides his time at home as a game designer until he is forced to go back. On the day of, Shadow has an argument with his twin which leads to a tragic accident and an ancient entity possesing Trixie. With the help of Sunset Shimmer Shadow must travel from the human world to Equestria, seeking advice from Princess Twilight Sparkle. Along the way Shadow meets Flurry Heart, Zany and Twinkle Sparkle, who are from an alternate future. Will Shadow and his companions save Trixie and all of reality or will fate remain unkind?

Daughter of discord characters are used with permission from their creator DisneyFanatic23.

Special shout out and thanks to DisneyFanatic23 for creating a fantastic world and characters to draw ideas from.

Another shout out and thanks to Lunajack for giving life and personality to Twinkle Sparkle and Zany.

They were my inspiration to write this story.

Published 2019-08-13 23:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-03-31 23:20:55 UTC

A Snart filled morning!

Author's Note

Chapter 2 is finished. Yep Zany and Twinkle have now entered the story. I dont want to spoil to much of the pony side of my story yet. I believe a couple more will be in the Equestria girls world for now. I hope its an enjoyable read I had a blast writing it.

A Snart filled morning!

As promised Shadow met the elder twin by the front door where Trixie proceeded to hand him a helmet.

"Punctual on your first day back, Trixie is pleased little brother."

The younger twin just rolled his eyes, ignoring his sister's smiling expression.

"What is this for and where is yours?" asked the young man holding up the dark blue helmet.

"For your protection Mr. know it all."

"Trixie... you know what I mean! Mother bought two scooters for our eighteenth birthday."

"Oh, right well you see... there was kind of an... Oh, would you look at the time... we don't want to be late on your first day back," said the flustered Trixie pulling out a smoke pellet and throwing it at the floor.

Smoke billowed up causing the younger twin to cough and his eyes to water. Through the dissipating mist the young woman's form could be seen tripping and falling out the front door.

Shadow just shook his head following after the departing figure "What a Snart for brains!"

On the long rainbow shaped driveway was Shadow's dark blue scooter propped up on its kick stand, fully gassed and ready to go with Trixie sitting behind the handles. Within the open garage the young man caught a glimpse of his sister's crumpled light blue scooter with a cracked matching helmet decorated with yellow stars.

"Okay so how does this work? You can't drive without a helmet or a scooter. So are you taking the bus?" asked the young man turning to face his sister.

"As if Shady! The great and powerful Trixie does not take the bus!" said the elder twin with a smug look.

"One scooter!"

"Trixie's big brother Shadow is driving to school while Trixie rides in front of you, protected by your strong arms," said the young woman with a playful smile.

"So when it is convenient for you, I am your big brother?"

"Quit being so negative Shady."

"Not happening... I will take the bus... here," said Shadow handing Trixie the helmet.

"Sorry little brother you missed the bus five minutes ago and your rump needs to be in school so hop on there is not a moment to lose. Besides with your ensemble and that helmet all the girls will swoon and with Trixie hidden within your strong embrace, who will notice?"

********************

Sunset Shimmer and her crew of friends, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity were chilling in their usual spot behind the pedestal where once stood a huge horse statue. The group was talking about events happening in their everyday lives, when Pinkie started twitching.

"Ooooo my Pinkie sense is tingling this means trouble."

"Trouble is right, Trixie just showed up," said Rainbow pointing to the pair getting off the scooter.

The seven friends watched in wonderment as the tall stranger dressed in blue cargo jeans and a matching jacket stretched to his full six-foot height behind Trixie. The young women stared as dark violet shoulder length hair, tied up in a ponytail fell around the stranger's light blue face as he removed his helmet.

"Never mind Trixie who is the dreamy hunk standing beside her?" asked Rarity cupping her chin in her hands, swooning.

"Well if he is with Trixie it probably means trouble," replied Twilight using her right index finger to push up her glasses.

"Come on guys Trixie isn't that bad she did help us out once... Remember that time when we lost our memories?" said Sunset.

"Whatever you say sugarcube but I for one still don't trust her. After what she did the other day with those there smoke doohickeys and the loud fireworks that caused poor Fluttershy's animals to stampede all over the place," said AJ.

"I'm just glad no one got hurt," said Fluttershy softly.

"What do ya mean no one got hurt just look at my poor hat," growled Apple Jack pointing to her head for emphasis.

"Ooooooo, what's he giving to her? Could it be Trixie has a boyfriend?" shrieked Pinkie excitedly, interrupting her friends.

********************

Shadow parked the scooter and upon removing his helmet handed his elder sister a piece of paper.

"Here you're paying for this and after school someone is riding the bus," said Shadow with his calm and cold expression.

"You're the one with the paycheck remember Shady? Besides Trixie never told you to stop," said the elder twin slapping the ticket back into his hand.

"It is the law to stop when you see flashing lights you Snart for brains," growled Shadow reaching for the young woman's throat.

"Well little brother aren't you all worked up? Trixie has not seen you this lively in a while" said Trixie with a wave of her hand and walking away all the while smiling inwardly. "Progress!"

"Hurry up Shady you can't be late."

"I just know I am going to regret agreeing to come back to school," thought Shadow quickly composing himself. Adjusting his glasses upon his face with his right index finger the younger sibling slowly followed his twin.

********************

As the twins walked closer Sunset noticed the young man wore a pair of brown wire rimmed, square lensed glasses over his fuchsia colored eyes. His hair starting from the bangs had a light blue almost silver steak running through the violet, like his sister. Under his blue jean jacket was a dark blue shirt that had a pixelated print of a knight slaying Tirek. Seeing the shirt caused Sunset to blush as she stared. "Wow he is kind of cute."

"Hey Trix, who is your friend?" asked Sunset smiling to the pair.

"Wait! ooooo... ooooo... wait... let me guess you're Shadow! Trixie's younger twin, who is a game designer, who has no interest in anything except Ogres and Oubliettes, who is super smart, who doesn't talk much, who is in another universe, who is an original character from a fanfic on Fimfiction.net, who will be yanked to another alternate future by another alternate oc called Zany, who will fall in love with his special some pony named... mphhhmphh!" said Pinkie Pie breaking the fourth wall as Apple Jack placed a hand over her mouth to silence her.

"Sorry ya'll had to witness that Sugarcube Pinkie Pie has a tendency to get over excited sometimes," AJ was quick to say.

Shadow just gave the group an expressionless nod.

********************

"Good day SunShim. This is the great and powerful Trixie's younger twin brother Shadow Lulamoon," said the elder twin with a flourish of her left hand and ignoring the hyper girl.

"Hello" said all seven girls in unison.

Shadow gave the group a silent nod and continued walking away.

"Shady where are you going?" huffed Trixie stomping her foot at her brother.

"Away" came the simple reply.

"Wait Trixie hasn't introduced everyone yet."

"Your point?" said Shadow still moving towards the front entrance of the school.

"Shadow Lulamoon, do you remember what Trixie said... FRIENDS... FUN... " shouted Trixie, glaring at him.

The young man hesitated and with a "sigh!" turned towards the group.

"Wow and here I thought Sunset was uber emo," said Pinkie Pie.

"Hey" said Sunset.

"Sorry Sunshim I didn't mean emo."

"That's okay Pinkie."

"I did mean it though," whispered Pinkie leaning over to Apple Jack.

"I can still hear you Pinkie," replied Sunset rolling her eyes in exasperation.

"Wow she’s psychic," whispered Pinkie a second time, this time leaning to Twilight on her left.

Twilight just pinched the bridge of her nose while slowly shaking her head.

"Shady this is Sunshim she is the president of our yearbook committee," said Trixie gesturing to the orange and red-haired girl.

"Hello again," smiled Sunset.

"The girl to her left is Rainy Daze something or other. Followed by um Snapple Hack, Twinkle Pea, SciTwi, Scarcity and Flittersly," continued Trixie.

"Hey its Rainbow Dash! Your nick name is twenty percent less cool," scoffed Rainbow.

"The names Apple Jack."

"I'm Rarity darling! There is nothing scary about me. I am simply divine."

"Um my name is Fluttershy," squeaked a soft voice.

"Grrr, my name is Twilight Sparkle not SciTwi! Sheesh one person calls me that in passing and that is all everyone remembers me as!" growled Twilight.

"Twinkle Pea! I love it. It reminds me of that alicorn Twinkle Sparkle, who is related to Twilight from another dimension," said Pinkie excitedly, breaking the fourth wall for the second time that day.

"Pinkie Pie please stop you're acting a little too Pinkie Pie this morning!" shouted Rainbow throwing up her arms.

********************

"Snart for brains... I am surrounded by snart for brains... I knew coming here was a bad idea," said Shadow under his breath.

"what did you say?" asked everyone in unison.

"I have a headache! I'm out of here."

Rubbing his temples Shadow quietly turned and walked away.

********************

"Wow Sugarcube... um your brother is a man of few words ain't he?" asked AJ rubbing her neck and averting her gaze from Trixie.

"Well you see I... we... What Trixie means is that his life is complicated," replied the elder twin with a sorrowful expression.

Before anyone could say another word the first bell rang startling the eight young women out of their reverie.

"Oh, damn it all! Trixie is going to be late!" shouted Trixie dashing towards the front doors, leaving the seven friends.

"Why aren't they an interesting pair?" asked Rarity.

"They're something, Sugarcube," replied AJ rolling her eyes.

"I still don't get how she is so great, her magic shows are so lame," muttered Rainbow Dash.

Sunset quickly jabbed her friend in the side with her elbow.

"Ow!"

"Well in any case we should probably get going before the tardy bell rings us into detention," said Twilight jogging with her friends into Canterlot High.

********************

Equestria, the Pony Express,

The train ride was too long and quiet for Zany, who needed something to do before he "died," of boredom. The half draconequus glanced across at his special some pony Twinkle Sparkle, who had her nose buried in a book titled "Enter Dimensional Time Travel Theory," by Dr. Hooves. Zany slowly waved his left hoof at Twinkle. The chaotic being smiled mischievously, revealing his pointed fang as he ever so slowly began to slide off his bench.

"Not sly enough buster sit back down," said Twinkle slowly lowering her book and glaring at her boyfriend.

"Grr, what the hay Twinkle Toes? Ever since we started on this trip you've become a party pooper."

The half-breed crossed hooves in a huff as he sat back down with a loud thump.

"Sorry Lamey... but I have had a lot on my mind recently... about my cousin and... my mom" replied the young alicorn with a dejected "sigh".

"Yea about that Twinkle what happened? Right before I knocked on your tower door, I could hear you and Twilight arguing. Would you like to tell me about it?"

"Well not really."

"Come on Twinkle Toes I am all ears," said the half draconequus as ears sprouted all over his body.

"Hehehe!" giggle the alicorn.

"I love you Lamey."

"I love me too," said the smiling Zany.

Twinkle let out another quiet laugh as she levitated the book back up to her face.

That certain someone!

Author's Note

Originally I had other plans for this chapter but one thing led to another and ths is where i came to. Until next time please comment like and follow for more updates.

That certain someone!

Shadow stood in the main entrance trying to figure out his first course of action. Having ignored his classes as well as skipping out of school for a while the young man was perplexed at what he should do now. "I never thought in a million years I would be back here in this lame place. Well I can't just stand here all day so the first thing I need to do is lose this headache." Glancing at the signs Shadow saw the one he needed and brusquely headed towards the nurse's office.

Dashing through the front doors Trixie looked all over the main lobby for her brother, not finding a trace of him. "Where did that doofus go? He wasn't that far ahead of me. He did mention a headache, maybe Trixie should head to the nurse's office first."

Trixie dashed to the left, in the direction of the school nurse where upon entering she found Shadow accepting a cup and some medicine from the nurse.

"Shadow this is where you have been hiding. Trixie has been looking all over for you," said the elder twin in disgust.

"Can I get another dose of that stuff, my headache is back," said Shadow with a pleading look in his eyes, at Nurse Zecora.

The nurse looked from one sibling to the other and with a slight smile said, "nope sorry child one pill to relieve your first pain but your second can only be cured by you."

"Easier said than done," muttered the young man.

"You two should probably be heading to class as you are already late. Any longer you may linger, means a peculiar fate."

"Okay... Nurse Zecora..." said Trixie grabbing her brother's arm and yanking him out the door.

In the hallway Shadow dug in his heels, snatched his right arm for the young woman and shouted. "That’s enough Trixie just stop! Your job is done. I am in school."

"I am only trying to help Shady," replied the elder twin in disgust.

"Your form of helping is not help. In fact, it is making my headache worse!"

"Your headache? Please! That headache is all in your head. You have always used that lame excuse whenever you're uncomfortable with a situation. Shadow it's time you stop blaming others for your own shortcomings!" said Trixie raising her pitch to match her brother.

"The only shortcoming, I have in my life is you Trixie, any time you're around me something bad happens. In fact, now that I think about it everything wrong in my life is because of you."

"You don't mean that," said Trixie her bottom lip starting to quiver just a bit.

"I couldn't be more serious big sis. I don't need you nor do I want you lingering around me anymore," said Shadow releasing his frustration on his sister.

Trixie stared into her brother's eyes and saw the hatred and resentment the fuchsia pools held for her. At that moment she felt a twinge of pain run through her chest. The elder twin lowered her head to hide the tears that were now trickling down he light blue face. The twins stood in silence for several seconds until Trixie broke the silence and with a choked sob said, "head to the principal's office... she... she can help you with your classes." Averting Shadow's accusing glare Trixie bolted in the opposite direction. "I'm such a fool I was so worried about losing my brother... I failed to realize that I already have... Oh Shadow why?" In her tear-stricken state the young woman failed to notice the stairs.

********************

Sunset Shimmer on her way to algebra stopped her stride as her friend ran past. "Was she crying?" With a worried expression the red head turned to follow. Right on Trixie's heels Sunset noticing the impending danger reached for the distraught girl, but it was too late. The wayward magician vanished out of site. "Trixie!" shouted Sunset.

********************

Rose Fern, a freshman at Canterlot High was an energetic, inquisitive girl and already in advanced classes. The bubbly girl had cleaned up some old, clay and even weird artifacts from advanced archeology and with a little persuasion had gotten permission from the teacher to study them more extensively over the weekend. The artifact, Rose was most interested in was the small black spider. The trinket, blacker than obsidian, exuded a strange glow at dusk or as Rose liked to say "magic hour." She gleaned no information about the spider at school and when she picked it up it she thought she heard a voice whispering to her. The young girl quickly deposited the glass spider into her box of artifacts and excitedly half skipped out of the archeology lab.

********************

The image of Trixie's tear-stricken face entered the young man's mind as he went in the opposite direction of his sister. A slight twinge of guilt caused Shadow to pause and for a moment. He wanted to chase after the elder twin. Just as quick as it appeared the feeling had vanished. "Serves her right," thought the younger twin.

Reaching Principal Celestia's office Shadow knocked. His chest tightened as a feeling of dread washed over him. "What is this feeling?" the young man asked himself as he glanced back the way he had just come. The brief pause ended with a "come in." Shadow shrugging off the dark thoughts entered the office, taking in the scenery. Celestia's abode was full of light and warmth filling Shadow with positive energy. The younger twin felt most of his troubles fade away. At that moment all he wanted to do was find Trixie and apologize but his thoughts were interrupted by a soft yet authoritative voice. "Well isn't this a treat. Mr. Lulamoon to what do I owe this visit?" All shadow could do was nod as he faced the principal. He had been absent for so long Shadow had forgotten how intimidating Celestia could be.

"Don't be afraid I don't bite... much," said the woman with a jovial smile.

"Schedule... Principal... Celestia... I... need my schedule," said Shadow, perspiring.

"Talk to Vice Principal Luna, my sister handles student class arrangements," said Celestia gesturing with her left index finger to the door across the hall.

"Thanks!" came the reply as Shadow pivoted towards the door.

"Mr. Lulamoon, welcome back."

Glancing one final time at the principal's genuine smile the young man gave a curt nod, closing the door.

********************

Upon receiving his class schedule Shadow was escorted by Vice Principle Luna to the first class of the day, Advanced Theoretical Quantum Physics. On their trek through the school the vice principle spoke very little to the young man, for which Shadow was grateful. His entire morning had consisted of annoyances and misfortune. Luna left the young man with the teacher, Doctor Hooves. "Have a good day Mr. Lulamoon," said the vice principal in a soft voice, then proceeded back to her office.

********************

"Looks like we have a new student, fancy that!" said the teacher with a British accent.

Shadow, arms crossed gave a brief nod to Mr. Hooves.

"Would you like to introduce yourself to the class Mr...um?

"Shadow Lulamoon," said the young man with an annoyed expression.

"Well Fancy that! I think I will call you shady for short."

Shadow just rolled his eyes, knowing full well that arguing with eccentric people like Trixie gets you nowhere fast.

"Let me see here... ah... yes... Shady you can sit over the in that empty seat in the corner by the window to the left of my assistant Derpy and right behind SciTwi."

"My name is Twilight Sparkle," Twilight growled.

"Don't mind her Shady she is a bit dodgy, but SciTwi is a good student and means well," said the smiling yet oblivious teacher.

"Dodgy? He is one to talk," thought Shadow walking to his assigned seat.

The blonde girl to his right had a greyish complexion with wayward eyes one up and one down. "What the heck is wrong with her eyes?" Shadow quickly averted his gaze forward when Derpy looked his way only to see Twilight's blushing face.

"I'm Twilight! We weren't properly introduced this morning," said the young woman holding out her right hand in greeting.

Shadow just looked at the offered hand and then back up.

"Wow AJ was correct you really aren't sociable, are you?" said Twilight with an embarrassed laugh and slowly withdrew her hand.

"Friends... fun..." Trixie's words pierced his brain like an arrow. "Grrr, that Snart for brains."

"Shadow!" said the young man breaking the ice.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, smiled, nodded and then turned in her seat.

********************

Rose Fern half skipped up the stairs and as she neared the right turn bend, she noticed the falling girl. It was too late Rose was unable to move out of harm's way as Trixie slammed into her.

"Owy," said Rose sitting up and taking in the scene.

The young girl gasped as her gaze fell upon the limp form of Trixie.

********************

Sunset, fast on the scene leapt down the stairs to aid her friend. Upon the middle landing lay Trixie in a pool of red surrounded by broken brick-a-brack and a pink skinned girl with green hair kneeling beside her. Kneeling down next to her fallen friend the red head asked "oh no Trixie! What happened?"

Rose looked from the limp form to the new arrival. "It... it was... was... an accident. I... was... carrying my box of things and one thing led to another... Oh no! My relics Ms. Yearling isn't going to like this news."

The young girl in a panic, started to collect the broken pieces and when her fingers brushed against the remains of the glass spider Rose's breath caught in her throat "oh no!" Rose couldn't quite place her finger on it, but she knew that something bad had just happened. Worse than a girl lying unconscious in a pool of crimson.

Attending to her friend Sunset spent a brief second to ask, "what do you mean Oh no?"

"This is bad, bad, bad, really bad," came the reply barely a whisper.

"Get a grip of course this is bad!" said Sunset grasping Rose's shoulders, giving her a little shake.

As the young girl stared into Sunset's stalwart gaze Rose began to calm done.

"That's better are you all right, can you stand?"

Quietly Rose nodded yes.

"Good I need you to get Principal Celestia. Can you do that?"

Nodding a second time the girl stood, dropped what she held and quickly walked up the stairs.

"Now for Trixie... What the heck?" said Sunset her gaze drawn to a pile of black broken glass.

********************

Dark, shadowy, violet tendrils snaked out from the broken spider tasting blood as they weaved towards the still form of Trixie. Before Sunset could react, the dark aura had vanished seeping into the wound on the back of the unconscious woman's head.

"Oh, this is not good. That must be equestrian magic, maybe Twilight will know what to do," thought Sunset gathering up all of the obsidian shards she could and tucking them into the upper right pocket of her black leather jacket.

********************

Principal Celestia sitting behind her desk looking over some documents, jumped when her office door burst open. Standing in the entrance was a five-foot-tall girl with green hair and orange highlights. The young student's ensemble consisted of a blue blouse with a matching blue and purple plaid skirt. The principal’s gaze dropped to the girls white, red stained stockings.

"Ms. Fern what on earth happened?"

"Accident... stairs... blood," said Rose gasping for air.

"LUNA!" shouted Celestia."

Uncertainty!

Author's Note

Wow I can't believe how late it is but at least chapter 4 is done. I hope it is an enjoyable read. Please comment likes dislikes. Let me know how you like the storys progress so far and even what can I can do to improve.

Uncertainty!

Between last night's lack of sleep and Doctor Hooves's incessant ramblings Shadow dozed off. The young man's head hit the desk with a loud thump.

"Would you care to answer, Shady?" asked the teacher.

"What?... Huh?" came the drowsy response.

Shadow raised his head coming nose to nose with Twilight. Startled by the closeness the pair quickly pulled apart.

"What?" asked Shadow a second time.

The young man's gaze went from Twilight's worried expression, to her finger pointing at Mr. hooves, then towards the scowling face of their teacher.

"Would you please answer the question Mr Lulamoon?"

"Oh... right... Ahem! The law of parallel universes, states that for every universe that exists, there is another that runs side by side with it. Scientists believe for every universe that exists, there exists another version of oneself," said Shadow.

The class fell silent, all eyes on the new student.

"Wow he's intelligent," thought Twilight her cheeks flushing pink.

"That's correct! Fancy That! Though next time Shady, please refrain from noisy outbursts," said the once again smiling teacher.

Before Doctor Hooves could continue his lecture on Parallel theory the phone on his desk rang startling everyone.

"Mr. Hooves here... yes... alright... will... do."

"Shady... that was Vice Principal Luna you're needed in her office."

Shadow gave the eccentric teacher a quizzical look but when his gaze stopped on those intense eyes the young man knew something was wrong. "What did Trixie do now? That Snart for brains." The young man nodded towards the teacher as he exited the room.

********************

"Since I'm alone, I guess now is as good a time as any to write to Princess Twilight," thought Sunset sitting in the principal's office.

Celestia had Luna escort Sunset back to the office, contact Shadow and head right back to the scene of the accident while Sunset was instructed to wait for the young man to arrive.

Dear princess Twilight I am writing to you today because there has been a terrible accident. My good friend Trixie has been badly hurt but that's not the only thing wrong. While I was attending to Trixie a black aura exited from what looks like a broken glass spider and seeped into her wound before I could stop it. I believe Equestrian Magic might be involved. I managed to procure most of the pieces of the artifact, your help is desperately needed.

Your friend Sunset Shimmer.

Within seconds the journal began to glow signaling Sunset that the princess was responding to her message.

Dear Sunset I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope she recovers soon. Unfortunately, I am unable to come to your world to help you. My royal duties are consuming most of my free time these days. When you have some time, you should come to Equestria and use my library. I have informed Starlight Glimmer and she will aid you with your endeavor until I get done with my duties.

Best regards Twilight Sparkle.

"How are words writing themselves in that book? And what has happened to Trixie?" asked Shadow In the doorway behind Sunset, startling her.

"Oh, Shadow it’s you" replied the young woman standing up and grasping her heart while trying to calm her nerves. " Did someone tell you yet?" asked Sunset hiding the journal in her bag.

"I was told to come to the principal's office, but your book says something about Trixie being in an accident."

"Please try not to panic. Trixie fell down the stairs and cracked her head open. Right now, she is unconscious."

"Where is my sister?" asked Shadow with a worried expression.

"She is with Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna."

As Shadow turned to leave Sunset grasped his left arm in her hands.

"I was told by principal Celestia herself, that I was to wait here for you and to make sure you don't leave her office and do anything rash."

"Rash!" Shadow's eyes narrowed on Sunset. The red head sensed the raw anger emanating for the young man. "My sister is in trouble and I am told I have to sit and do nothing?"

"Yes! If you go to Trixie now you will only be in the way."

Seeing the young woman's resolve was enough to calm the seething twin.

"Fine, I will wait here for now until we hear from CELESTIA!"

Sunset breathed a sigh of relief at his words.

Shadow glanced towards his arm then to the red head, "my arm!"

"Oh sorry," said an embarrassed Sunset releasing his arm.

The pair stood in silence for several seconds when Shadow broke the quiet. The young man steeled his resolve and faced Sunset and for the first time started a conversation with a girl other than his sister.

"What is Equestrian Magic and what does it and Twilight Sparkle have to do with Trixie's accident?"

Beads of sweat formed on the young woman’s face as panic set in.

"What are you talking about?" said Sunset feigning ignorance.

"This," came the reply as Shadow reached for the journal that the red head had quickly stuffed into her bag but forget to zip up.

Sunset lunged towards her bag which now occupied the chair she was sitting in that was in front of the principal's desk.

The young man faster than Sunset yanked the book out of reach and began to flip through the contents written on the pages.

"Forgotten memories, princesses, magic, ponies, portals, accidents, spiders, auras... What is all of this? ... It is like something out of Ogres and Oubliettes," said Shadow with a quizzical expression as he lowered the book glancing at Sunset.

"It’s just a fantasy novel" replied the young woman angrily reaching for the diary.

The young twin adeptly side stepped the charge, reading a passage out loud "Dear princess Twilight... are we still friends? Yes of course we are Sunset. Why wouldn't we be?"

Sunset lunged a second time. "Stop reading it out loud. That book is only fiction."

"I don't believe you," said the young man moving out of reach yet again.

"It's true."

"Then why are you so intent on hiding its contents for me?"

"Fine its really my personal diary okay... now can I please have it back?" asked Sunset blowing a strand of hair out of her face and holding out her right hand, gesturing towards the book.

"I wonder," said Shadow ignoring Sunset Shimmer and walking around towards the principal's side of the desk. Reaching for a pen the young man flipped passed the last entry about his sister and began to write.

Who exactly are you princess Twilight? What is Equestrian Magic and how did it cause Trixie's accident?

There was a long pause as time seemed to slow down for the pair. Then the book began to glow, and time quickened once again. Shadow looked on in wonder, his mouth slightly ajar as words began to speed across the page right below his question.

Who are you and why do you have Sunset's communication journal?

"What the heck?" muttered Shadow glancing at Sunset.

The red head looked to the befuddled boy then to the words written on the page then back to Shadow. "Well you should probably answer her. She is a princess after all, and it is rude to not answer a question when one asks" said Sunset with a snide smile.

Scowling at the cocky red head Shadow started to pen his reply.

I am Shadow Lulamoon...Trixie is my sister... now it is your turn.

Yep you're definitely Trixie's brother, never asking please or saying thank you and always demanding from somepony else. If you ask nicely I may be inclined to answer but until then... go play in Tartarus.

"Somepony? Tartarus? ... What?" asked Shadow staring from the page, then to the now giggling Sunset.

********************

Shadow felt like he had been punched in the stomach and vomited in his mouth. The young man dropped the diary, falling to his knees as anguish washed over him like the crashing waves of the ocean. Tears flowed free, cascading through his fingers that covered his eyes and dotting his jeans. "Trixie... how?... How am I supposed to help you?" For the first time since his father's funeral Shadow was consumed by his sadness. Resolve crumbled to uncertainty as the young man's life spiraled out of his control.

Sunset quieted down and watched as the spectacle began to unfold. The young woman felt a twinge pain run through her heart as guilt set in. Silently placing her left hand on his heaving shoulders Sunset knelt and picked up the journal.

Dear princess Twilight I am so sorry about Shadow. He caught me by surprise and before I could stop him; had my journal. Please forgive him I take full responsibility for his actions. He had just found out about his sister and I was insensitive. Instead of using the journal maybe after things calm down in this world it would be better to bring Shadow to Equestria so we can all sort this mess out face to face.

Yours truly Sunset Shimmer

********************

Equestria, Crystal Empire,

Night had fallen by the time the train screeched to a halt at the last northern station; outside of the Crystal Empire. The half draconequus levitating off the train held out his left hoof, offering it to his alicorn girlfriend.

"Watch that first step milady it is slippery."

"Why thank you kind sir," said the little alicorn taking his hoof.

The couple stood on the nearly empty platform except for a single pony standing in the chill night air, watching them from underneath a hooded cloak. Twinkle signaled Zany to get their belongings off the luggage trolley. The little half-breed gave her a dramatic bow. "Your wish is my command."

Twinkle just rolled her eyes and smiled. The little alicorn drew in a deep breath of the cold air and slowly let it back out again. "It has been quite a while since I was last here."

"That's the understatement of the century you, Snart for brains."

Twinkle turned to the voice's source; a lone figure draped with a hood cantered over to the little alicorn. The hooded pony stepped from the shadows, into the light of the dimly lit platform. The pony swept the brown cloak aside lifting the right hoof. Slowly the hoof pulled back the hood revealing a long pink horn. Curly purple hair with pink and blue highlights cascaded down around her neck, revealing the face of the Twinkle's cousin.

"Flurry Heart!" squealed Twinkle with glee, throwing herself at Flurry and enveloping her cousin in a bear bug.

"The one and only" said Flurry returning the embrace in kind.

"Wait how do I know it is really you and not a changeling imposter?" asked Twinkle pushing the pink alicorn away.

Flurry lowered her head and whispered "Last time you were here with Aunt Twilee you mentioned some intimate details about how you and Zany were star gazing and one thing led to another..."

"Alright... it's the real you," said the little alicorn blushing.

"Hey there Flutter Nutter" said Zany trotting up to the cousins.

"Hey yourself Squiggles replied the pink alicorn giving Zany a hoof bump in greeting.

"We have much to discuss," said Twinkle.

"Yes, we do," replied Flurry.

"Well the sooner we get to the castle and get through all the royal mumbo jumbo the sooner we get to adventuring," shouted Zany excitedly.

Both alicorns nodded smiling in agreement.

As the trio made their way to the crystal castle Twinkle grabbed Zany's left hoof giving it an affectionate squeeze with Zany returning the gesture, then pulling her close as they walked. The half-breed gently nudged his girlfriend drawing her gaze towards the heavens. The northern rainbow illuminated the starry night sky, a myriad of colors dancing in the cold night air. The little alicorn gazed in awe wishing they could stay like this forever.

Voice in the void!

The empty blackness surrounded Trixie enveloping her in its cold embrace. The young woman cried out in fear. "Shadow, where are you? This place... is... so... dark..."

"Trixie...Trixie...Trixie..." said a voice from the darkness.

"Who are you?" asked the panicked girl.

"I am Trixie!"

"What do you mean?"

A faint violet hue flared up before the young woman's eyes causing her to flinch at the sudden light source. A transparent form began to take shape, mirroring the young woman. Pin pricks of fear ran up her spine as Trixie starred up at her own unnatural smiling face. Trixie quickly closed her eyes trying to forget the ghost. "Shady please help me!" whimpered the elder twin.

"Trixie remember what happened," said the apparition with a flourish of her hands, images of the twin's last interaction played like a movie.

The young woman slowly opened her eyes and watched as the scenes unfolded. The harsh words, raw emotions, the accident and finally the pool of blood. After each progressive image Trixie felt a little piece of herself break. Unwavering the ghost Trixie continued.

"Trixie helps Shadow and he is ungrateful and unappreciative. He insults, belittles, yells, and hurts. When Trixie is injured, and bleeding where is Shadow?"

Tears begin to flow as black tendrils reach out.

"He is nowhere to be seen. If he really cared about Trixie, he would be by her side, but he is not."

The young woman is wrapped in anguish, unable to move. The tendrils begin to encompass her.

The voice began to soften "The only one who can save Trixie is herself."

"Yes!" came the choked reply.

The tendrils consumed the elder twin.

"Trixie will show Shadow."

"Yes!" came another reply this time with more resolve.

The blackness begins to glow a dull violet.

"Trixie will punish Shadow."

"Yes," a third, angrier response.

The aura brightens more.

"Trixie will rule."

Without a word the violet flares.

"You... are... mine..."

********************

"Unbelievable! I give you two one task go to school and don't screw up. I give you everything and this is how you both repay me? One of you skips school and ruins his life to play games. The other can't do anything right, always causes trouble for those around her and is now lying unconscious on a gurney," said Mother shouting at Shadow.

In the principal’s office of Canterlot High, Sunset Shimmer stood clenching her fists next to Shadow who just stared emotionless, into space while his mom carried on.

"I can see why the siblings are so dysfunctional now," thought Sunset bitterly.

"Mrs. Lulamoon please settle down there are other students who are learning," said Celestia interjecting.

"Ahem! Sorry Principal Celestia I got I little overzealous," said Shadow's mother clearing her throat.

"That was overzealous?" muttered Sunset.

Shadow's mother turned to the young woman scowling. "Who might you be little girl?"

"My name is Sunset Shimmer Mrs. Lulamoon," said the young woman glaring at the older woman.

"You’re not part of my family. So why are you even here?"

"I am a friend of Trixie and Shadow. I was also the first one on the scene of the accident."

Shadow's composure faltered just a bit at Sunset's words.

"While I do appreciate your assistance with my clumsy daughter your presence here is no longer needed," said Mrs Lulamoon dismissing Sunset with a wave of her left hand.

The older woman's arrogance was starting to grate on Sunset.

"With all due respect ma’am, I can't leave because I am Shadow's moral support."

"Moral support don't make me laugh. I can tell by the way you are dressed that you’re probably a bad influence on my misguided children. In fact, I believe you are the one who has been influencing my son to skip school," replied Shadow's mom with a haughty expression.

"Grrrrrr... you... " Sunset clenched her fists, contemplating about punching the snooty old hag but was held back when Shadow held her back gripping the young woman's left are with his right hand.

"She is not worth it Sunshim?" said Shadow as he released Sunset and turned to exit the office.

The room fell silent at the young man's words. All those present stood in bewilderment.

"Where are you going young man," spat the angry mother.

"To go see my sister and get away from you!" Shadow spat back.

"No, you’re not you will stay in school and further your education. Besides you have caused your sister enough problems and I have already made it quite clear to the doctors at the hospital that Trixie is not to be disturbed by anyone."

The words sank deep piercing Shadow like sword, causing his blood to boil. "You arrogant old witch," roared Shadow ready to lunge. This time it was Sunset's turn to stop him as she clutched the young man's arm pulling him towards the door and finally shoving him out.

"For someone who cares about her children shouldn't you be by your daughter's side instead of berating you son about petty things," said Sunset venomously as she slammed the principal's office door behind her.

Sunset grabbed Shadow's hand and sternly said, "come on."

Had this been a different set of circumstances Shadow would have died from panic overload at the thought of a girl holding his hand.

********************

Out in the parking lot Sunset tossed Shadow a red helmet with a visor "here!"

"what is this for?"

"For your protection of course."

"Grrrr... you are starting to sound like my sister."

"I am a bad influence remember."

"Whatever!"

Sunset placed a black helmet on her head and just smiled at the disgruntled young man. "Just get on."

The young woman straddled a black motorcycle, nodding to the spot behind her. Shadow followed her example and sat.

"Hold on tight Shady."

********************

It was dusk by the time the motorcycle zoomed into the hospital parking lot. The pair placed the helmets on the bike and walked to the entrance.

"Well now I know where Trixie learned to drive."

"What do you mean?" asked Sunset.

"You're both terrible at it," said Shadow with a slight smile. "Did he just tell a joke?" wondered Sunset.

"Shut up," said Sunset lightly punching him in the arm.

"Can I ask you something?" asked Shadow.

"Sure."

"Did you mean what you said earlier?"

"About what?"

"The... friend... thing?" said Shadow turning away from the red head trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Yes!"

"But you don't even know me!"

" Trust me after all we have been through today, I know you well enough to consider you a friend."

"If you say so."

"Come on lets head in before they close this place" said the smiling red head nodding to the hospital.

The eve of chaos!

Nurse Redheart sat at the front counter inputting patient data into her computer, when she heard the automatic doors "whoosh," open. Looking up from the monitor she watched the young couple walk up to the counter. "Can I help you?" she asked with a gentle smile.

"We are here to see Trixie Lulamoon," said Sunset."

"Please wait while I check the system."

Sunset took the brief interlude to study her companion. Shadow may be a person of few words, but his posture and face betrayed what he was thinking. The red head gripped the young man's right hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I found Miss Lulamoon's file, but it states no admittance."

"Wait a moment... nonfamily members like myself I can understand, but Shadow is Trixie's brother," said Sunset glaring at the nurse.

"I am sorry, but rules are rules. Her file says only guardian and medical staff."

"I'm not just Trixie's brother, but her twin... there has to be something you can do for me. All I feel is this lingering dread. I have to see her," interjected Shadow slamming his hands on the countertop.

"I understand twins can share a unique bond, but my hands are tied kids. I can't jeopardize my job or the life of another based on the words of a few children."

The glare Shadow gave the nurse was so intense it caused Sunset to step back.

"Listen I need to see her with or ..."

"We understand patient confidentiality. Trixie fell down the stairs at school and hit her head, can you at least tell us if she is okay?" said Sunset quickly interrupting the young man.

Nurse Redheart paused as if taking in the scenery. For a moment it seemed like they were not going to get an answer, but then it happened. "It would seem miss Lulamoon is stable for the time being."

"For the time being?" said Shadow with even more intensity.

"Thanks for all of your help," replied Sunset with a feigned smile pulling Shadow away from the counter.

"What the hay! Are you trying to get us kicked out?" said the fiery red head punching Shadow's right arm.

"Ouch! What the heck!"

"For someone who is extremely intelligent you are such a Snart for brains!" said Sunset scolding the young man.

Shadow paused, recounting her words. "You play Ogres and Oubliettes?"

"I like to dabble... but that's not the issue right now, your temper is," said Sunset.

Seeing the red head's stern expression was enough to calm Shadow down.

"Sorry..." muttered the young twin.

"No worries!"

Silence!

"Look Shadow, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that you're not good with people. How about after we take care of Trixie, I help you learn to open up more, so these raw outbursts are more controllable and less frequent?"

"Wait I thought you gave up on seeing Trixie?"

"I haven't given up, but there is no use in arguing with the nurse when she won't budge. We need a plan and to accomplish that we need to be inside not out."

"Alright oh wise planner what do we do now?"

"I don't know," replied Sunset shrugging her shoulders.

"Sigh!"

"Listen buster just because I don't know doesn't mean I won't come up with a plan!"

"That dread feeling is getting more intense, we are out of time!"

"Shadow what..."

"Create a diversion So I can get past the nurse," interrupted Shadow.

Before Sunset could say or do anything there was a severe power surge. All the lights dimmed for a brief instant then the backup generators kicked in with "whirring" sound followed by several large explosions as electric sparks flew into the air. The lights stayed extinguished except for some computer monitor lights and other emergency systems.

Nurse Redheart stared at her monitor. The page she was on showed the patients vitals had flat lined and then unnaturally shoot up.

"Is there any doctor available to go to room 275?" asked Nurse Redheart over the intercom. There was no reply from the powerless device. Weighing her options, the nurse bolted out of her chair heading towards the stairs.

"That was efficient Sunset!"

"I had nothing to do with this..."

Taking advantage of the situation, the duo jumped the counter and caught a glimpse of the computer monitor, displaying Trixie Lulamoon third floor room 275.

"This isn't good!" shouted Sunset.

"Come on," said Shadow signaling towards the direction the nurse had gone.

********************

The door to the third level slammed open.

"Which way now?" asked Sunset.

"SECURITY!" screamed Nurse Redheart.

"That way," replied Shadow heading left, in the direction of the voice.

Two blue uniformed guards pushed passed the couple in the hallway disappearing into room 275. There were shouts and grunts followed by loud crashing sounds. An eerie violet light illuminated the open doorway.

"TRIXIE!" shouted Shadow dashing towards the light.

"Shadow wait," said Sunset grasping thin air as her companion vanished out of site.

********************

Meanwhile in Equestria,

Starlight Glimmer's hooves made "clopping," sounds as she paced across the floor of the library in Twilight Sparkle's castle where she kept the mirror portal to the human world.

"Calm down Starlight. The portal will glow when someone is coming through so until then we should just go about our normal lives," said Twilight's dragon assistant Spike, from where he stood sorting through a stack of books, his eyes following Starlight.

"I know Spike! It's just that when Twilight told me what happened in the human world involving Sunset and that world's Trixie... I am trying my hardest to not jump through the portal as we speak. Pacing seems to be the only thing that helps right now."

"You can always search for information about that black spider that Sunset mentioned in her journal."

"I have already triple checked while Twilight quadruple checked every book we own. We were unable to find anything on that artifact."

"Sunburst won't arrive from the Crystal Empire for another two days. Why don't you go talk to Trixie? She has traveled all over Equestria and may know something that we don't."

"I wish I could go see my best friend Spike, but Twilight has tasked me with waiting for Sunset."

"She tasked us with watching the portal. Besides only one pony is needed to stand guard."

"Alright Spike," said Starlight begrudgingly. "But only for research purposes and if any pony arrives you come and get me immediately."

"Sure, thing Starlight."

********************

Room 275 was destroyed, to Sunset's right were the two guards slumped unconscious against the wall. Nurse Redheart was cowering in the corner to her left sitting in a puddle of some kind. The hospital bed was inches from the nurse's face embedded in the wall. Where there once was a window on the back wall there was now a gaping hole. Right in the center of the devastation was Trixie and Shadow. Inky black and violet tendrils held the young man in the air. The older twin levitating with her toes just above the floor held her brother's throat in her hands, choking the life out of him.

"T... r... i... x... i... e," gasped Shadow failing to pry the young woman's fingers from his neck.

"You must vanish so that I may flourish!" said Trixie in an unnatural droning voice.

The voice was Trixie's but from the cascading tears Sunset knew it wasn't the kooky magician who was in control. "TRIXIE STOP!" Sunset ran through the rancid smelling pool of yellow liquid. Hands outstretched Sunset grasp the twins. The red head's aqua colored eyes glazed over to a milky white as her pendant began to glow. Memories and emotions flowed from the twins into Sunset showing her a kaleidoscopicing menagerie of images of their lives. Tears moistened Sunset's cheeks as she relived the Twins lives. Sunset had never met anyone so young who had seen so much loss and hardship as the twins, and with the mysterious spider involved there didn't seem to be an ending in site. "I understand everything!" Sunset turned her attention to Trixie.

"Trixie listen to my voice come back. Please release Shadow he didn't mean to hurt you. Your argument is tearing him up on the inside as well."

For a brief second Trixie's eyes flickered to their natural color. "S... h... a... d....o... w..." Just as fast though the glowing violet erupted, bathing the destruction once again with an eerie aura.

"NOOOOOOO!" shrieked an unnatural voice sending out a cacophony of waves.

Trixie released her brother who hit the wet floor with a "splash." Shock waves of agony rippled out from the young woman. Sunset felt the impact in her lower abdomen. The red head fell to her hands and knees and vomited. The violet luminescence flared up and vanished blanketing room 275 in darkness.

Weakly Shadow reached towards where Trixie had been seconds ago "S... i... s... t... e... r..."

After several minutes the two young adults managed to stand up. "We need help. I think we should go see Princess Twilight." Silently, Shadow nodded his head in agreement. Leaning on each other for support the couple limped out of the hospital.

********************

Meanwhile in Equestria,

"Ladies and gentle colts be amazed as the great and powerful Trixie preforms her most daring and dangerous magic trick yet. Trixie will climb into this crate of highly volatile fireworks, while her beautiful assistant wraps chains around it to prevent escape. Then Trixie's assistant will light this short fuse and say presto explodo teleporting Trixie for the crate this box on stage."

"Trix I don't think this is such a good idea," whispered Starlight Glimmer.

"Nonsense Starglim. Trixie has got this." The magician whispered back.

"Are you sure... remember last time with the cannon or the time after that with the large rocket we rode."

"Tomatoes, potatoes."

"Uh huh!" replied Starlight rolling her eyes.

"But...just in case... hold my hat for me," said Trixie as she placed her purple wizard hat on Starlight's head.

The light purple unicorn slowly shook her head as her blue unicorn friend climbed into the crate of explosives. Starlight wrapped the chains around the box and locked them with a key. Not enthused, Starlight lit the tiny fuse saying "presto explodo." There was aloud "boom!" as the sky filled with hundreds of differently colored fireworks. while on stage next to the purple unicorn the box lid burst open. Out climbed the blackened and smoking Trixie "Sppeeee Blah break and bowerpul Blixie..." Spinning on her back right hoof the once blue unicorn fell off the stage with a loud thump.

"Trix my dear friend you really need to try something that doesn't involve you blowing up all the time," said Starlight. The purple unicorn casually walked over to her unconscious friend, licked her right hoof and stamped out the small fires burning the magician's mane and tail.

********************

Sunset raced her motorcycle down the street. The evening breeze whipping through her and Shadow's hair. The starry night sky and the streetlamps were a blur of white and yellow smudges. "Except for the smell of urine and my aching body fate seems to be on our side for once today," thought Sunset. Just then blue and red lights flashed in her side mirrors.

"Oh, for Celestia's sake," growled the young woman.

"How ironic my day starts with a ticket and ends with one," shouted Shadow.

"Shut up and hold on!" Sunset shouted back.

The fiery red head hit the brakes near a side street she frequently used. The bike came to a screeching halt with the cop car, hot on their tail slowing down to apprehend the perps. Sunset didn't wait for the cop to exit from the car as she turned the motorcycle towards the narrow ally way. The young woman gassed the bike and as fast as lightning the couple was off down the ally. Sunset winced in pain as Shadow squeezed her tightly.

The officer slammed his fists on the steering wheel "Rotten little punks!" Pressing a button on the dashboard the officer put out an APB.

"Officer 1337 requesting back up over."

"This is officer 07734. I copy officer 1337. Over."

"I copy officer 07734. I have a pair of suspects riding a black motorcycle between Fifth and Main. Over."

"I copy officer 1337. Was the driver a female with red hair. Over."

"I copy officer 07734. The perp was a girl and I recognize the passenger I wrote the little dirt bag a ticket this morning. Over."

"I copy officer 1337. Swallow your doughnuts and buckle up folks we're in for a fun night."

********************

"Could this day get any worse?" growled Sunset turning down another side street. No sooner had the words left her mouth when the bike sputtered and skidded to a halt. Both riders flew from the vehicle landing in a pile of garbage.

"What the hay?" shouted Sunset spitting out a piece of rotting lettuce and brushing off a soiled baby diaper. "I had a full tank there is no way I can be out of gas."

"Well obviously you were wrong, Snart for brains," replied Shadow with disgust as he wiped rotten egg from his glasses.

"This coming from the boy who wet himself and reeks of urine!"

"That wasn't me! Besides You're one to talk about reeking Sunshim! If anyone spilled their bladder, I bet it was you!"

"I have better control than that."

"Oh, you do... do you? Then why are we standing in garbage," shouted Shadow.

"This has nothing to do with my driving Shady you're just bad luck!" Sunset shouted back.

The argument was soon ended when blue and red lights flashed close by.

"FOR CELESTIA'S SAKE COME ON!" growled the couple in unison ducking back into the pile of trash.

The lights soon passed by giving the dirty pair a brief respite.

"Not again," grumbled Sunset wiping another soiled diaper from her cloths.

Shadow let out a snicker followed by a laugh.

"You think this is funny?" growled the young woman grabbing the diaper and chucking it at the Shadow.

There was a "splat," sound followed by a "Really!"

********************

The fiery red head examined her motorcycle and notice a small iv needle penetrating the gas tank. "Damnit; I should have check more carefully after we dug it out of the rubble." Sunset chided herself.

"Good news is I found the problem. Bad news is we are not getting anywhere by bike," said Sunset holding up the needle in the dim light.

"How is that information helpful?" grumbled Shadow.

"It's not," came the casual reply.

"I feel a migraine coming on," muttered the young man.

"Well in any case we need to hide my bike before we head back to Canterlot High and I know just the place."

"I'm guessing you're quite intimate with high speed chases?"

"Something like that," said Sunset in a demure voice.

********************

With the motorcycle hidden in an abandoned warehouse a block from the accident the couple quickly made their way back to school. Several times the duo had to duck into a dark place to avoid the red and blue. One such occasion the pair was walking by a bar when the cop came up the street. Sunset looked for a place to hide but there was no time. Without hesitation the young woman grabbed Shadow, pressed him against the wall, and kissed him. At first it was just a kiss then the young woman's eyes glazed over. Sunset's thoughts merged with Shadow's. The young man received a glimpse of the red head's life. From yellow unicorn to Princess Celestia's student. Fallen prodigy to human. Corrupted she-demon to redeemed friend.

There was a blinding flash of yellow light as a new vision came to pass. Sunset stood staring out a window into the cold winter night, gazing into the vastness of stars. The scene changed again this time the young woman was pregnant her hands resting on her swollen stomach while Shadow lovingly embraced her from behind.

Sunset quickly pulled her blushing face away gasping for air. Shadow stood speechless and bewildered by all these new experiences. The cool evening air silently ruffled their hair as it blew.

"We... should... probably get going," stammered Sunset.

Shadow remained still staring blankly into nothingness.

"Earth to Shadow!"

"huh... what?"

********************

The couple finally reach Canterlot High at 3:36 AM.

"Tell me again why we are back at school?"

"Because I left my journal in my locker and the portal to Equestria is right here on campus."

"Is that all... Wait... what... portal?" asked a flabbergasted Shadow.

"You will see," said Sunset with slight smile.

The duo walked up the steps testing the front doors which rattled when tugged.

"Just as I figured locked," muttered Sunset.

"Might as well add vandalism to the list," said Shadow pulling out his small toolkit. Locating the right tools, the young man began to work the lock.

"I'm guessing you are quite intimate with this sort of thing," said Sunset teasingly.

"Something like that!" smiled Shadow.

********************

The pair slinked through the hallways like a couple of cat burglars stopping at Sunset's locker. The passage was silent except for the metallic clicking of the dial.

"The school at night reminds me of a creepy dungeon from a jrpg," said Shadow breaking the silence.

"I never really gave it much thought, but now that you mention it does feel like an excerpt out of Tirek's Revenge," replied Sunset turning the dial.

"Ogres and Oubliettes, high speed chases, as well as Tirek's Revenge? You are a woman of many mysteries Sunshim."

"Thanks, Shady but I am no one special. You and Trixie on the other hand."

"So, you saw everything?"

"Yes... wait how did you know?" asked Sunset turning from her locker.

"There was a brief reprieve between my being choked and your eyes turning white that I felt a mental connection to you. After all the weird magic I have encountered today why would telepathy be any different?"

"Either you're very perceptive or you have some latent powers yourself," said Sunset once again concentrating on her locker.

"No powers! I have just learned to train my senses... which allows me to study people more in depth."

"Studying... people... that is kind of weird..."

"Don't you think kissing a person you hardly know is even more weird?" replied Shadow with an impish smile.

"Wait... what? ..." asked the young woman stumbling over her words and messing up her combination.

"Gotcha," thought Shadow.

"That... was... um... to hide from the police... It meant nothing..."

"I bet!" said the young man nonchalantly leaning against the lockers.

Sunset paused studying the younger twin. The smug smile, the twinkling violet eyes, the roguish stance. "You, conniving JERK! I won't be tricked into saying anything." Sunset thought to herself.

"Yep, that's right," replied the fiery red head restarting the combination for a third time.

Finally, the locker opened with a resounding, “TUNK!” as Sunset reached in and pulled out her bag with the journal. "Alright let us go." The red head started to shut the door, then abruptly stopped "This may be useful," said the young woman grabbing the book Enter Dimensional Time Travel Theory by Dr. Hooves.

Shadow wondered why Sunset would need a book with a picture of his eccentric teacher on it.

********************

"You know I have done more walking in one day since I met you than I have in my entire life," grumbled Sunset.

Shadow abruptly stopped walking and blocked Sunset's stride with his left arm. The young woman glanced at her companion to complain again but stopped as something caught her eye. Off in the distance by the front door was a blue light.

"For Celestia's sake! We must have triggered a silent alarm," muttered the red head.

"You could have told me before I picked the lock!" came the sarcastic reply.

"Well had I known about it I would have hacked the system with my phone," Sunset spat back.

"Remind me to get that app from you."

Sunset just glared at her companion.

"In any case they stand between us and the pedestal," said the young woman pointing with her right index finger, where once stood the giant horse statue.

"Let me guess that is your portal?"

"You really are perceptive," chided Sunset.

"Better than flushing ourselves down a toilet," grumbled Shadow.

"What?"

"It was in a wizard movie Trixie forced me to watch..."replied Shadow.

"That would fit right in with the night we have been having."

Shadow just grumbled in agreement.

Sunset surveyed the perimeter stopping her visage on the school's trophy case, as an idea began to form.

"Get ready to run."

Before the young man had time to react Sunset grabbed Dr. Hooves book and chucked it at the glass case. The loud "crash!" of shattering glass echoed through the empty hallways. Two blue lights turned towards the noise followed by the footsteps of the police. The two silhouettes passed by the young couple.

"RUN!" whispered Sunset.

********************

Meanwhile in Equestria,

The pale moonlight gleamed brightly through window reflecting off the crystal walls of the library while Spike hummed to himself. The little dragon had finished sorting through the pile of books and was now sweeping the floor. On the far side of the room was Owlowicious, Twilight Sparkle's pet owl watching the dragon work. Spike having his back to the portal didn't see the mirror's surface warp. The small owl leapt off his perch and with loud "whooo whoooo !" sounds flew around the dragon's head trying to warn him about the rippling portal.

"Not now Owowlicious," shouted Spike waving his broom at the frantic owl.

Spike finally took notice when the mirror released a rainbow aura.

"Oh, sweet Celestia someone is coming through the portal."

Two human shapes appear then slowly transformed into a pair of quadrupeds. A yellow unicorn with a red mane streaked with orange and a matching tail erupted for the mirror crashing in the unprepared Spike. Seconds later a light blue unicorn with a violet mane streaked with silver and a matching tail toppled in the bookshelves behind the fallen dragon. The freshly arranged books rained down upon the floor in a storm of pages.

Spike was the first up shouting "Noooooooooo! " Why do I even bother cleaning this place?"

"Forget the mess spike! Grab the journal off the mirror! Close the gate! Hurry!" shouted Sunset frantically trying to untangle herself from the books.

"I can't reach it," cried Spike.

Owlowicious glanced from the disaster to the distorting portal as two more silhouettes appeared. The owl dove towards the gate. The figures in the mirror started to change just like the unicorns. Just as a hoof started to appear the owl snatched up the journal atop the mirror in his talons. The metallic surface solidified blocking out whomever was coming through.

Sunset breathed a "sigh!" of relief scanning the room for her companion "Shadow?" The books to her right shifted revealing the light blue unicorn.

"Now I know how Trixie's crumpled scooter feels," groaned Shadow.

"Even as a pony he looks good," thought Sunset blushing.

The yellow unicorn's reverie was cut short by a booming voice "Spike what the hay happened?"

********************

Starlight Glimmer entered the library followed by Trixie. The room was covered with books with a pair of ponies and Spike standing in the center of the devastation. Starlight recognizing the yellow unicorn with the sun cutie mark shrieked "Sunset!" The purple unicorn excitedly ran to her friend stopping abruptly to cover her nose.

"Ew... Sunset you smell like you bathed in..."

"Don't even go there," said Sunset interrupting Starlight.

********************

Right behind Starlight Trixie glanced at the mess of books her gaze stopping on the light blue unicorn staring into the mirror with a six-sided die for his cutie mark. A weird feeling of familiarity and confusion washed over the magician as she stared at him.

"I have never seen this stallion before... but why do I feel like I found something that I had lost?" wondered Trixie.

A single tear trickled down her cheek. "What?" thought Trixie wiping away the dampness.

********************

Shadow investigated the mirror trying to wrap his head around the blue unicorn staring back at him. When suddenly a rippling sensation passed through his chest. Turning towards the open door he noticed two more little ponies one purple with a violet mane streaked with pink and a matching tail. The second one was a light blue color with a blue mane and tail streaked with silver.

"Trixie!" cried Shadow running up to the blue unicorn and embracing her in a bear hug.

The magician reeled back from the smell.

"Oh gross! What is that awful aroma?

"You don't want to know!" replied Shadow crying and smiling at the same time.

"Who the hay are you and why are you touching Trixie?" shrieked the blue unicorn.

Shadow paused releasing the magician. "You're not my sister, are you?"

"The Great and Powerful Trixie is an only child."

Sunset Shimmer looked from Shadow then to Trixie "Ah crud."

********************

Elsewhere

"Listen Twinkle I will tell you the same as my mother! I refuse to sit on the throne!"

"Flurry you are an alicorn princess you were meant to rule the Crystal Empire."

"It doesn't matter I will not resign myself to that fate. Born an alicorn or not I am not a ruler and nor will I subjugate myself to the Princess Coronation."

"But that is the final step for an alicorn," growled Twinkle.

"Is it really Twinkle."

"Yes, flurry it is."

"I bet aunt Twilee would say otherwise!"

"What does my mother have to do with this?"

"She gave up a life of immortality to be with Your father Flash Century."

"So, what flurry!"

"Think Twinkle you're supposed to be the smart one here!"

"I don't understand Flurry your mother is an alicorn princess and married to Uncle Shining Armor. What is the difference?"

"The difference dear cousin is as plain as day and night."

"Obviously not or I wouldn't be having this conversation with you," shouted Twinkle.

"Fine I will explain it so that your feeble mind can understand. My mother cadence had already undergone the final princess coronation before she married my father. Just like Celestia and Luna my mother will live for a long time if she so chooses. My father isn't so lucky eventually the tides of fate will separate my parents. Mom will live on while dad will not. Aunt Twilee refused the final princess coronation and then married your father. Now do you see the difference?"

"Wait so aunt Cadance will live on while both of my parents and uncle shining pass on?"

"That's right Twinkle!"

"I understand that part but what does this have to do with you flurry?"

"I had this same conversation with you mom when I was your age."

"You're not much older than me you drama queen."

"You may be right."

"Just get to the point Flurry!"

"It is better to live a single life with the ones you love than it is to live a thousand lifetimes alone. That is what aunt Twilee said to at that time."

Twinkle paused contemplating her cousin's words.

"Would you do the final princess coronation if you had an immortal partner?"

"Are you going to give me Zany if I do?" asked Flurry with an impish grin.

"Not for a thousand lifetimes; he belongs to me," said Twinkle appalled.

"I am just kidding Twinkle. Even if I was presented with an immortal suitor I wouldn't become an immortal."

"Fine cousin if you're not going to take over the throne then what will you do?" said Twinkle in exasperation.

"Live my life to the fullest; help where I can and leave the rest to fate!"

"Flurry you would leave me alone?" asked a tear-stricken Twinkle.

"Listen little dream walker even after my physical form vanishes; I will always be with you. Besides you have Squiggles," said Flurry Heart as she gently nuzzled her cousin in comfort.

"Are you two finished yet," complained Zany.

"Yes," said the alicorns in unison.

"Good let the chaos begin and the dice decide our fates!" shouted the little half breed as he summoned a pair of large six-sided dice.

The two alicorns just giggled as the trio began their adventure in Ogres and Oubliettes.

Author's Note

6 is done! Let the dice fall where they may!

Reflections amongst the stars!

Due to the overwhelming odor, Starlight glimmer Banned Sunset and Shadow from the library. The pair was tasked with bathing while the library was cleaned. Starlight escorted Sunset to the second-floor mare's room and Spike did the same for Shadow.

Shadow tripped and stumbled over his hooves as he followed Spike.

"What the heck is wrong with these things?"

After what seemed like an eternity Shadow found himself in front of the stallion's washroom. The walls were an iridescent violet blue that refracted the ambient light. A myriad of colors danced across the crystal floor. In the center of the room was a porcelain tub with lion feet, filled with bubbles. The waterspout in the shape of a golden dolphin sprayed out a never-ending stream. Mounted on the wall to the left of the door was an oval shaped mirror with a matching sink.

"Here you are my good sir," said Spike with a flourish of his right arm, bowing.

"Um... thanks," replied Shadow.

"Oh Celestia, where are my manners? My name is Spike," said the dragon holding out his clawed hand.

Shadow glanced at the offered hand, remembering Trixie's words about friends. "Trixie... where are you?"

"Shadow," said the unicorn offering his left hoof.

"So, Trixie is your sister?"

"Yes and no?"

Spike slightly turned his purple head in puzzlement.

Shadowed sighed.

"Yes, in my world she is my older sister, twin to be exact... She tried to kill me; in this world she doesn't seem to know me," said Shadow with sorrowful expression.

"Wow that is strange," said spike.

"How so?"

"Even though I am a dragon in this world the me in the human world is a talking dog, but he still lives with human Twilight. Also, Twilight's brother is still Shining Armor. Oh, I can't forget about Celestia and Luna still being sisters. I wonder what makes your relationship with this world's Trixie different?"

Shadow stood silently thinking back to his Advanced Quantum Physics class and the discussion on parallel universes. "I guess it is no longer a theory." "Fancy That!"

"Anyways that must be weird being her brother... you know because of her unique personality."

"You don't need to sugar coat your description. She is a total Snart for brains."

"Snart... do you play Ogres and Oubliettes?" asked Spike with an excited smile.

"I do much more than just play, in my world I am a digital game designer for the company that creates the game," replied Shadow smiling in return.

"Finally, someone else who plays!"

"You know Spike I am not the only one, Sunset plays as well," said Shadow with a mischievous grin.

"Sunset to! Please stop I might pass out from pure joy," shrieked Spike.

Shadow couldn't help but smile at Spike's excitement.

"So, tell me spike is everyone in this world who can talk a pony or dragon?"

"Oh, Celestia no! There are Griffons, Hippogryphs, changelings, and yaks to name a few."

Shadow danced with excitement. "Had I visited here under different circumstances, I would consider this heaven," thought Shadow glancing down at his hooves.

********************

Before his bath Shadow gazed into the mirror. Staring back was a light blue unicorn.

"I will never get used to this."

Shadow climbed into the tub and slowly slid down into the bubbles. The soothing concoction loosened his taunt muscles allowing Shadow to relax for the first time that day. Seconds later he drifted off into a deep sleep. An expanse of stars gleaming as far as the eyes could see. Then somewhere in the infinite void a voice called out "Only you!"

********************

Sunset lie soaking in the tub letting her worries wash away like the tides of the ocean. Neck deep in bubbles the unicorn thought back to that kiss with Shadow and the vision that followed. Subconsciously Sunset glanced down, expecting to see a rounded middle.

"Get a hold of yourself Sunset," muttered the unicorn shaking her head.

"What does it all mean?" With that question running through her mind, Sunset drifted off.

********************

Sunset blinked in confusion "What in the name of Celestia is going on?" An endless blanket of stars twinkled in the void.

"Am I dreaming?"

"Only you," whispered a soft voice.

"Hello, is anyone there?" echoed Sunset's voice across the vastness.

"Only You," repeated the voice from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

"What do you mean only you?"

"Only you..."

"Grrr... enough already!" growled Sunset looking around.

The void remained quiet and empty for a time, until out of the corner of her eye Sunset thought she saw something. Focusing on that spot the unicorn recognized Shadow.

"Shadow!" shouted Sunset calling out to her friend.

Shadow showing no signs of life, lie motionless among the stars.

"Only you," replied the intangible voice.

"Shadow!" said Sunset with more urgency.

Still no reaction from Shadow.

"If words won’t reach him then I have to get to him... but how?"

Reluctantly Sunset moved her front right hoof around the empty area surrounding her. Each time she stopped there was a little rippling effect like when a rock hits the water. Steeling her resolve Sunset leapt forward without a second thought. Even though there was no ground to walk on Sunset's movement was never impeded. For every step the unicorn took another ripple cascaded out among the stars.

********************

Sunset prodded Shadow with her left hoof. "Shadow?" Still no response. Taking in Shadow's sleeping features she noticed a faint blue glow emanating for his horn. Ever so gently Sunset lowered her head touching her horn to his. The blue aura flared with blinding brilliance. Visions of her and Shadow played like a movie in front of Sunset. Some happy, others sad.

One terrifying scene showed Shadow lying in a snowy wasteland bleeding out while Sunset lie inches away bruised and battered. The Sunset in the vision was crying as she pulled herself forward, her back legs dragging behind; holding her back. All around the couple the snow was littered with black insect like creatures. Sunset was unable to make out whether the bodies were changelings or spiders. Also, among the destruction were other ponies Sunset couldn't

Recognize. One figure looked gray with a white mane similar do the draconequus Discord. The second one was a dark purple alicorn. "Twilight?" thought Sunset. The third body was an odd mix of blues and grays and had features like a cow and changeling. And finally flying among the devastation was a pink alicorn a curly purple mane streaked with pink highlights.

The vision faded just as quickly as it appeared replaced by the scene of Shadow embracing a pregnant Sunset Shimmer. This time the image was a bit distorted and as she stared the vision darkened and ripped like paper as inky black and violet tendrils burst through it.

"Nooooooo!" shrieked Sunset tears dampening her cheeks as she reached out and grasping nothing.

********************

The blue aura vanished taking the visions with it, leaving a disheveled Sunset and unconscious Shadow. Sunset's shoulders shook uncontrollably as her tears dotted the void like tiny dying stars.

"Don't be discouraged, Sunshim."

Sunset jumped at the sound of the voice.

"Shadow?" asked Sunset glancing from the blue pony the transparent human form of her companion.

"Yes... and no...?"

"I hate riddles so just tell me who you are." said Sunset venomously, as she cried.

"Now is not the right time! All you need to know is that I am shadow."

"Whatever!" spat Sunset.

"You're as fiery as ever Sunshim but your anger is misplaced."

"I just watched everything I hold dear unravel before my eyes. Then my future gets ripped apart and some strange being taking the form of Shadow tells me my anger is misplaced. How dare you!" screamed Sunset furiously.

"Those visions you saw were not the future but possible futures."

"What is the difference the word possible just means that something could happen, and the future is something that has yet to happen. What you're saying makes no sense."

"The difference is that "the future," implies that even though it hasn't happened yet fate has deemed that it will eventually happen just as you saw. A possible future is something that could happen if the right decisions are made and the right pieces fall into place."

"So that final vision is a possible future?" asked Sunset.

"Yes..."

"But...?" asked Sunset prodding for more.

"I have said to much," replied the other Shadow.

"Grrrr... fine! Can you at least tell me how I am able to see these possible futures? My powers have only ever been able to show me what others are thinking?"

"You embody empathy one of the elements of harmony."

"You're misinformed, there are only six elements of harmony and empathy is not one of them."

"You are thinking too tangible my dear Sunset. What you call the elements of harmony are but but manifestations of your reality."

"How many are there then oh wise guru?"

"The number is as infinite as the stars."

"Impossible!"

"What is harmony Sunset?"

"Harmony is another word for balance. Why is that relevant?"

"There are many forms of balance for example you friend Twilight Sparkle embodies the magic of friendship or as you call it, the element of magic. Twilight found that piece of harmony when she used, generosity, laughter, kindness, honesty, and loyalty. Which are all pieces of a whole. Friendship itself is also an element of harmony but there is no need to delve further into that."

"I feel a migraine coming on," grumbled Sunset.

"Empathy is just another piece of the whole."

"That's great and all but that doesn't even answer my question."

"I was getting to that."

"I would like an answer some time this year."

"Time is irrelevant."

"Focus Shadow!"

"Ahem... as I was saying you are the element of empathy. Your element allows you the touch others and empathize with them. This manifests into you being able to see their thoughts. When you touched Shadow and Trixie you created the connection, but it was cut short by the demoness Grishadera. Then later when you kissed Shadow again you establish a psychic repoire with him."

"Wait you... Shadow saw those future visions?" asked Sunset her cheeks burning.

"Yes! Shared visions are part of a psychic repoire."

"That under handed dirt bag that's why he brought up that kiss when we were at the lockers. Just you wait Shadow Lulamoon revenge is as sweet as apple pie," thought Sunset.

"what exactly does that mean" asked Sunset regaining her composure.

"A psychic repoire is a strong emotional bond that is beyond simple empathy... That is why you are able to travel to the astral plain and why you see me."

"I see you and him... but even still prophetic dreams are beyond my abilities. There is no way I could do that alone."

"You have finally reached the point."

"Wait do you mean that you... I mean Shadow is the reason I can see the future."

"Correct!"

"What is he?"

"Shadow is an Augmenter of Causality."

"He has the power to control fate?" asked Sunset.

"Not really! I guess the easiest way to explain it is that contact with Shadow enhances your natural abilities."

"That's some upgrade" muttered Sunset.

"Only you Shadow," thought Sunset smiling to herself.

********************

"Wait... only you?" asked Sunset, realizing as she shot out of the bathtub like lightning.

"The voice was talking about Shadow but what does it mean..."

New feet!

"Grrrr... when Starlight asked Trixie to help with an important matter, Trixie never thought that it meant to clean the lame library," grumbled Trixie.

Starlight and Spike returned to the magician several minutes later to assist their friend.

"It's about time you got back," said Trixie with a high-pitched whine.

"Calm down Trix. You're such a drama queen we were only gone for a few minutes," said Starlight Glimmer.

Starlight's horn glowed a bluish green as she levitated the closest books and neatly stacked them. Spike pulled from the book stack and alphabetized the books on the shelves.

"Such menial tasks..." Trixie started to say but stopped.

"You don't have to stay Trixie if you... don't want to..." said Starlight trailing off as she gazed at her friend.

Starlight cantered over to Trixie waving her front left hoof in the magician's face, "Trix?"

"Starlight to Trixie... hello," said Starlight repeating her hoof wave.

Starlight looked to Spike for assistance."

"Any ideas Spike?"

Spike staring with wide eyed bewilderment just shrugged. "It's Trixie..."

"You're oh so helpful Spike thanks," said Starlight with venomous sarcasm.

"Only you!" Said Trixie with an eerie monotone voice.

Starlight and Spike both jumped from the abrupt interruption.

"That was creepy!" said Spike.

"I would have to concur," replied Starlight.

The pair jumped a second time when Trixie suddenly shook her head, awakening from the trance.

"Why are you two staring at Trixie like a pair of creepers? Should Trixie be worried?" asked Trixie with a scared voice.

"Worried?... We should be asking you that question," said Starlight with a slightly higher pitch.

"Starlight is right you’re the creepy one Trixie... standing still like some possessed pony and spouting weird stuff like only you," said Spike with a sour tone.

"What did you mean by only you, Trix?" asked Starlight.

"You’re just pulling my leg right Starglim?"

Seeing the serious expressions of her friends, Trixie proceeded to sigh and shake her head "I have no idea!"

********************

Shadow awakened from his nap, jumped from a frantic knocking emanating from the bathroom door.

"Shadow!" said the familiar voice of Sunset. The stallion, realizing that he was still in the tub climbed out. Dripping wet Shadow shivered from the cool damp air in the bathroom. "I really need a towel to dry off," thought Shadow. With that thought Shadow's horn began to glow with a soft violet hue as a white towel levitated off the sink's countertop and floated towards the stallion. "What the heck?" Shocked by the floating cloth Shadow stumbled backwards tripping over his rear legs. The light on the unicorn's horn blinked out. The towel no longer under the effects of magic landed on Shadow's face. Shadow awkwardly stood up trying to dislodge the towel.

Sunset waited impatiently for her friend to respond. Several minutes went by without a peep from Shadow. Then suddenly there was a loud crash followed by some muffled words Sunset couldn't quite make out. "Shadow!" shouted Sunset as she frantically tried to open the door but to no avail. The latch on the door was stuck tight. "Grrr... stubborn door open." Sunset pointed her horn at the door and tugged with her telekinesis the door still refused to budge. Sunset swung herself around, facing away from the door and kicked her back hooves at the door. "Thunk!" went the unicorn's hooves as they harmlessly hit the door. "Oh, come on... it works for Applejack." Sunset gritted her teeth. Determined to rescue her friend the unicorn's horn began to glow a molten red. Sunset's aqua eyes were filled with burning fury as she released an energy blast against her wooden opponent.

Shadow spun in place, but that motion just managed to get the towel even more tangled around his horn. "Fracking towel get off of me!" grunted Shadow as he lowered his head between his front two hooves. With a hard yank the towel was finally off. "Yea!" shouted Shadow in triumph. With a sinister smile Shadow leapt into the air and stomped on the white cloth, exacting his revenge. "You just got schooled!"

Shadow's victory was short lived as the bathroom door behind him exploded into tiny splinters. The force of the blast sent the blue unicorn and his soft nemesis across the room where they landed in a heap, with the towel covering Shadow's head.

"Shadow!" shouted Sunset, panicking.

Sunset took in her surroundings; her gaze fell upon the covered heap across the room. The fiery mare galloped over to her companion. "Shadow, I heard loud noises... are you... alright?"

Ears ringing, Shadow shook his head trying to clear his mind. The stallion, finally focused and unable to see realized that once again he was at the mercy of the towel. "Oh, for the love of Celestia not again..."

Sunset blushed realizing that she got a little overzealous.

"Get off of me," grumbled Shadow as he struggled with the towel.

Sunset smiled to herself as her horn glowed red. The towel slowly levitated off Shadow and was then discarded to the floor by Sunset.

"Looks like I arrived just in time," said Sunset with a quiet laugh.

"I had everything under control until the door exploded," said Shadow giving his savior a disgusted expression.

"Uh...oops," said an embarrassed Sunset rubbing her head with her left front hoof.

********************

"So how does this unicorn magic stuff work?" asked Shadow.

"Just picture what you want. When you see it in your mind; will it to come," said Sunset.

Shadow looked to the sink's countertop where he had placed his glasses. "I am surprised they made it through all of that weirdness." Shadow focused the glasses in his mind and when he had a clear image, he wished for them. Slowly the glasses lifted off the sink and levitated towards Shadow, but at the halfway point the stallion's focus began to falter and the glasses clattered to the crystalline floor. Shadow's face was drenched with prespiration as he tried to calm his breathing.

"That's pretty good for your first try. It takes a quite a bit of mental as well as physical fortitude

to move objects with your magic," said Sunset.

"You made it look easy," muttered Shadow dejectedly.

"In my defense I was born a pony here in Equestria before I crossed over to the human world. I learned at a young age how to use my unicorn magic."

"That's still not comforting," said Shadow sarcastically.

"Don't worry I can teach you to master your powers oh mighty augmenter of causality," said Sunset with smile.

What do you mean by augmenter of causality?" asked Shadow.

"You know from the astral plane!" replied Sunset.

"No, I don't know," said Shadow with a confused expression.

Sunset gazed into Shadow's fuchsia eyes trying to detect a lie but was unable to see any form of dishonesty. "He really does not remember," thought Sunset.

"Never mind just forget I said anything!"

"What? You can't just change the topic... now I am curious," said Shadow.

Sunset just sighed and then answered, "If you don't know of what I speak, then you are not ready to know."

"Can you be anymore cryptic?" muttered Shadow.

"Just drop it!" replied Sunset with a frown.

Sensing no further comments from his companion; Shadow nodded his head in agreement.

"Good let us go meet the others in the library," said Sunset.

Shadow tried to keep up with the fiery unicorn but as he took one clumsy step after the other, he started to fall behind. Sunset turned to see that her companion was having a hard time walking with four legs. "This is going to be fun," thought Sunset with an impish grin.

********************

The moon illuminated the room through the library's southernmost window. The moonlight danced across the crystal walls creating tiny glinting motes on the floor, reminiscent of a clear star filled sky. Within the dim light Spike breathed life into the candles, their flickering flames assimilated the moonlight and ensconced the library in their warm glow.

"Thank you Spike now I can see to finish," said Starlight.

"Anytime!" replied Spike.

By the eastern bookshelf lie Trixie sleeping soundly on a red velvet couch. The magician's purple hat covering her face as she mumbled the words, "only you!"

"There she goes again. I wonder what it means?" said Spike.

"To be honest I don't know either, but I am curious," said Starlight watching her best friend slumber.

A loud thump followed by a giggle drew the attention of Starlight and Spike to the library entrance where Shadow lie nose down onto the crystalline floor with his posterior in the air. Starlight stood over her dragon companion, as she tried to stifle a laugh; failing.

"Sunset what took you so long?" chided Starlight.

"I was trying to teach a new foal old tricks. Shadow still can't walk straight," replied Sunset with another giggle.

"I am glad you think this is funny," grumbled Shadow as he attempted to stand up.

"I'm sorry Shadow I shouldn't be laughing but I just can't seem to help myself," said Sunset.

Shadow firmly planted all four hooves and lifted himself up off of the floor.

"If this Snart for brains wasn't such a bad teacher maybe I could properly walk," said Shadow with disgust.

"Hey, I am a great teacher you're just a slow learner," said Sunset wiping away her tears.

"As if Sunshim! Your driving skills are far better than your teaching skills and that doesn't amount to much," retorted Shadow.

"Watch yourself Shady! My driving skills are top notch," said Sunset her expression darkening.

“Oh no did I touch a nerve... is little Sunshim angry now?" teased Shadow.

"All right break it up you two, right now we don't have time for a lover's quarrel," said Starlight interrupting.

"Lovers?" asked the duo blushing at the same time. Shadow glanced at Sunset gazing into her aqua colored eyes. When Sunset's gaze met Shadow's, she quickly looked away. Feeling uncomfortable Shadow left the library.

"Shadow where are you going?" asked Sunset.

"I need some air."

The stallion somehow managed to stumble he way to the castle entrance and out into the cool evening air.

From the velvet couch Trixie stirred awake with a soft snort. "How is the great and powerful Trixie supposed to get her beauty sleep with all this noise?" mumbled Trixie as she stifled a yawn.

"Trix you should probably head home for the night. We will finish up here," said Starlight.

"You don't have to tell Trixie twice. Good night everypony," said Trixie bowing to her friends before she cantered out of the castle.

*******************

The evening breeze gently caressed Trixie causing the magician's cloak to billow out behind her. The brim of the floppy matching purple hat fluttered as the wind caressed the magician's face. As Trixie made her way down the walkway a lone figure caught her attention.

Struggles and loss!

The cool night air Caressed Shadow's damp cheeks drying the tears that had formed. Shadow sat on a small knoll just outside Twilight's crystal castle, lost in thought as he gazed longingly at the millions of glittering dots that eclipsed the moon. "I never thought that the adventure that I always wished for would turn out to be like this. I am a four-legged freak that can't walk straight or even properly use magic. So far I am rolling zero."

"A six-sided die? That is an interesting cutie mark," said a familiar voice from behind, startling Shadow.

"What is a cutie mark?" said Shadow turning to the voice.

"The mark on your rump you doof!"

Shadow glanced down at his backside, noticing a six-side die displayed on either side of his flank. Shadow rubbed at the symbol on his left side. “Well fancy that!" Shadow quickly stopped himself. "Grrr... the Snart for brained Dr. Hooves..."

"Are you done admiring yourself?"

"Trixie?" asked Shadow looking up and noticing the quirky magician.

"The one and only," replied Trixie giving a dramatic bow with a flourish of her right front hoof.

"You, Snart for brains," said Shadow with a soft chuckle.

"Trixie has no idea what that means but from that smile, Trixie will take it as a compliment."

Even though this Trixie wasn't his twin; Shadow felt comforted by her presence.

"Do you mind if Trixie sits down?" asked Trixie. Not waiting for a response the magician sat down beside Shadow's right flank.

"I am glad some things remain the same even in this world," said Shadow.

"Ya, about that..." muttered Trixie.

Trixie gazed into Shadow's eyes as Shadow stared back. Both unicorns felt the connection instantaneously. Trixie felt compelled as some unseen force encouraged her closer to Shadow. Neither said a word as Trixie closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Shadow's. Their spiraled horns crossed releasing a gentle red glow. Trixie opened her eyes and slowly pulled back. A tangible luminous red string flowed out of the tip of her horn connecting to Shadow's horn. The red aura held a gentle sound reminiscent of a heartbeat. Then just as quickly as the string appeared it vanished from sight but both unicorns still felt its presence.

"Interesting... even though Trixie doesn't know you, you feel familiar to Trixie."

"In my world you are my twin sister."

"That's odd... I don't have a brother, but Trixie does vaguely remember mother telling Trixie something about a twin before birth..." Trixie scrunched her nose trying to recall the memory. "oh... wait..."

"What's wrong?" asked Shadow his voice barely a whisper.

shadow watched Trixie with a somber expression as a lone tear appeared on her cheek, glinting in the moonlight as it trickled down her cheek.

"He... died at birth..."

The normally outgoing magician was wreathed in pain as a tightening crushed her heart. Without a word Shadow gently embraced Trixie, wrapping his front hooves around her. Slowly Shadow rubbed her back as Trixie sobbed into his shoulder. The pair remained in a warm embrace for several minutes while Trixie composed herself. "Thanks... for that... strange... brother... pony..." said Trixie her voice barely a whisper.

"It's Shadow... but my Trixie always calls my Shady..." replied Shadow with gentle smile.

"Thank... you... Shady," replied Trixie hesitantly, then turned her head as her cheeks heated.

Gently Shadow rested his right hoof under Trixie's chin, guiding her head so that Trixie was staring into his fuchsia pools. "Listen, Trix no matter what happens, no matter the universe...you will always be my big sister. I love you Trixie and I will always be here for you."

"You dummy," whispered Trixie with a smile and tear-filled eyes.

Suddenly Trixie stiffened her violet eyes glazed over, becoming a milky white color.

"Only you!" said Trixie with an eerily soft voice.

"What?... Trix are you alright?"

Trixie let out a blood curdling scream causing Shadow to flinch and fall backwards. "She is coming!"

"Who? ... Oh no!" said Shadow feeling the presence of his Twin growing closer.

Before Trixie or Shadow could react the sky around them ripped asunder. Several inky black tendrils shot out wrapping around Trixie. Snapping out of her trance the magician tried to blast the tendrils with her magic. Attack spells never came easily to her though and due to the restraining tendrils Trixie was helpless. Shadow full of adrenaline leapt to his hooves. "I won't let you take my sister again you damn demon," roared Shadow. Shadow's cutie mark and horn blazed with a purple light matching his fury. A stream of energy of the same color streaked out from his horn. The blast crashed against Trixie like an ocean wave upon the rocks. Trixie's eyes took on the same brilliant purple. Blinding blue lightning escaped her horn rippling out across the ground electrifying the black tendrils. An agonizing scream erupted from beyond the tear in the sky as the smoking tendrils vanished back into the void.

********************

Sunset waited a few minutes making sure Trixie was out of earshot before speaking.

"Wow even in Equestria Trixie doesn't change."

"Is Trix a drama queen in the human world as well?" asked Starlight with a chuckle while she stacked the rest of the books for Spike.

"Yep," replied Sunset smiling.

"So; Sunset would you mind telling me what brings you and your brooding friend to Equestria?"

"Didn't Twilight fill you in on what is going on."

"Not really... all she said was that something bad happened in the human world and that I was to remain vigilant until you arrived. Then she left for Canterlot to answer Celestia's summons. A day later Spike belched out a scroll that mentioned Twi had found something disturbing about your spider as well as stating that I should expect Sunburst and Starswirl soon."

"How soon is soon Starlight?"

"Twilight never said."

The conversation was cut short when a gut-wrenching scream pierced the pair's ears. Starlight ran to the window overlooking Ponyville and opened it. Some distance away Starlight could make out two ponies shouting and fighting against something she had never seen before.

"What’s wrong?" asked Sunset trotting up beside Starlight.

Glancing in the same direction Sunset saw a familiar scene.

"Not good," shouted Sunset leaping out the window and dropping six feet out of the library window. The fiery unicorn hit the ground and rolled just as she landed to distribute the shock of the impact. As fast as lighting Sunset was on her hooves galloping towards the hill.

"Oh, for the love of Celestia...I forgot how hot-headed Sunset could be," muttered Starlight following her friend out the window.

Starlight wasn't as graceful as Sunset. Starlight hit the ground hooves first the impact rattling the unicorn as she stumbled forward eating grass and dirt. "Puttuu!... why do I always get roped into these messes?" grumbled Starlight righting herself and charging after Sunset.

A brilliant purple light followed shortly after by blue, illuminated the horizon temporarily blinding Starlight. "What in Celestia's name was that?"

*******************

Sunset and Starlight made it just in time to witness a dozen more tears open up in the space around them.

"Sunset what in Celestia's name is going on," shouted Starlight as she jumped over a tendril.

"The reason we are here," replied Sunset, side stepping, as two inky streaks passed on her right.

Sunset took a brief second to locate Shadow and began to move in his direction. Starlight followed closed behind her friend. Several more tendrils reach for the duo only to recoil back into the void as green and turquoise beams blasted them. The pair made their way to their friends ducking, dodging, weaving, and blasting. Slowly but surely Sunset and Starlight were making head way pausing only when a cry of anger and frustration erupted from the other side. Starlight watched in horror as spindly spider legs followed by obsidian carapaces covered with hundreds of blood red eyes entered Equestria through the rip in the fabric of reality.

"Oh, for the love of Celestia... I hate spiders," shouted Starlight.

"Welcome to my world," replied Sunset sarcastically.

The pair of unicorns were surrounded by twelve five-foot-tall spiders.

"Time to kick ass and take no names," said Sunset gritting her teeth as she charged the closest spider that stood between her and Shadow.

"Starlight feeling the fatigue setting in just shook her head wondering, "where does she get all of the energy?" as she followed after Sunset.

The fiery unicorn's yellow horn plunged in the spider's middle as it reared up trying to tackle Sunset. Green ichor exploded from the wound oozing down Sunset's horn and into her face. The green blood stung Sunset's eyes as she was partially blinded by the ichor. The yellow orange unicorn tasted sulfur as her tongue was bathed in spider blood. Stubbornly Sunset pressed on only thinking about getting to Shadow. The spider shrieked in pain retaliating with its front appendages. The left one struck out catching Sunset on her cheek. Crimson flowed freely. The right appendage pierced her right flank soaking Sunset's coat in blood. Sunset flinched in pain but still pressed forward. Starlight tasted metal as Sunset's blood hit her face. Watching friend begin to falter a bit Starlight released a turquoise beam that struck the skewered spider. The obsidian carapace exploded into gory bits bathing the charging unicorn in green ichor.

"Nasty fracking bugs," growled Starlight.

Just as the spider fell two more filled the space trying to prevent the pair from reaching their friends.

"To Tartarus with you freaks!" screamed Starlight as she cast her custom speed spell on herself and Sunset. The two unicorns ripped through the spiders and even pierced through three more before finally reaching their friends.

********************

Blue lightning danced across the ground frying inky black tendrils and obsidian spiders alike. Trixie fought like a rabid animal as she fended off the oncoming onslaught and protecting Shadow like an older sister should. "You stay away from him!"

Shadow's horn blazed with purple energy as he bucked. His rear hooves catching a spider square in the face with such force that its head split in half spewing green blood. The stallion lunged spearing a second spider on his horn only to have it explode and soak Shadow in green as Trixie blasted it with molten hot lighting. The pair hearing the thundering of hooves to the right turned to face the new threat. "Die you eight-legged freak!" shouted Trixie pointing her horn at Sunset and Starlight.

"Stow that magic, killer... or you will be blasting lighting out your other end," said Sunset glaring at Trixie.

"Who do you think you are talking to Trixie like that," sneered Trixie.

"Girls, that is enough now. We are not enemies here," said Starlight trying to calm everyone down.

"The old lady is right! Trixie will stomp your ugly butt after we finish off the spiders," spat Trixie blasting a spider.

A strand of hair popped out of Starlight's mane at the magician's comment.

"I doubt you can do it. The old lady will have to carry your broken carcass back to Twilight's castle when I am finished with you," jeered Sunset bucking a second spider to a bloody pulp.

Another strand of hair popped out as Starlight's anger built up.

"My carcass please. The old lady will be tending to you not me," scoffed Trixie.

"Who the hell are you calling an old lady? I am not much older than you two!" roared Starlight.

Three more hairs and a purple vain popped. Feeling a surge of power Starlight erupted in furry releasing a shock wave ring that reduced four more spiders into mulch.

An echoing voice reach out of the void ringing in the ears of the four ponies. "You will not stand in my way. I must become whole so that I can become one."

"What is Celestia's name now?" shouted Starlight.

As in answer to Starlight's question, another much larger fissure opened. The four ponies dodged aside as pale blue hand emerged from the gap in space follow by a second blue hand. Eight ten-foot-long legs stretched out followed by the rest. Black and purple veins snaked their way across the young woman's once beautiful face. Two larger red eyes burned like red hot coals as the creature glared at the ponies.

"Trixie!" said Shadow in anguish.

"Shady now is not the time to be calling Trixie's name," said the quirky magician.

"He doesn't mean you. He is talking about her. That she demon is his sister," said Sunset with a mournful expression.

Trixie's gaze started at Shadow writhing in a agony then to the other two mares, finally stopping on her other self that now resembled a half mutated spider. Icey tendrils of dread seeped into her soul as she stared into spider Trixie's red eyes. Before anypony could react the eight spider legs entered a circular hole. The first two legs emerged beside Sunset, piercing her. Blood exploded out of her mouth as Sunset coughed. The other three ponies seeing this were a bit luckier when the other six legs attacked. One leg just scratched Starlight as she dodged but was then sent flying nine feet away by another leg. Trixie's rear left leg bathed the grass red as the fifth leg pinned her to the ground.

"SUNSET!" A thin red ethereal string connecting Shadow's horn to Sunset's horn blazed red hot before vanishing. Shadow's cry of anguish took on a new cacophony as the purple radiance in his eyes blazed into flames. The stallion's mane and tail took on a life of their own as they erupted into the same purple flame and spread out across his coat down to his hooves. The other three legs attacked penetrating Shadow. The legs were burned to ashes by the intense fire. Shadow's wounds released tiny shimmering specks instead of blood.

"You Bitch!" roared Shadow.

Author's Note

If you have read my two short stories you know I don't shy away from the the darker stuff. This chapter. has a bit of language. I felt it was apropriate with the intense emotions. Chapter 10 will arrive soon. But with the time being 2 am and its current length I felt this was a good stopping point. Now I must sleep. As always please feel free to coment. Which ther prboably wont be any seeing as how only one member has even commented lol. Well time for tis author to sign off.

Know your friends!

Author's Note

If you haven't read my 2 short stories now is the time to go and do so Starswirl will tell Twilight and the others about his past but it will be in the background. I will not rewrite it in this story so If you want to know a bit of back story please check out Stella's bleeding heart and threads and connections.

Know your friends!

Shadow's sister shrieked in pain as three of her appendages turned to ash. Trixie turned her fiery gaze to Shadow releasing a shrill hiss from her pincer filled mouth.

"You bitch!" Shadow's voice had an unnatural ethereal echo to it as his declaration rang out.

Demon Spider Trixie retracted her remaining five legs, pulling Sunset and Pony Trixie through the portals. The two unicorns vanished from where they were only to appear seconds later still attached to the spider legs. Trixie, hat less hung upside-down shrieking with pain from her skewered leg. Sunset remained impaled on two of the legs. Her breathing became labored as her chest heaved up and down trying to pull in oxygen. Sunset's once vivid blue green eyes now had a cloudy look to them as her life drained away.

"Release them," boomed Shadow's voice.

Demon Trixie just smiled revealing razor-sharp yellow teeth covered with a black colored ichor. "You must suffer... You... must... cease to exist, so that I may thrive."

"Trixie release them or you will be the one to suffer."

Shadow's sister used her two free legs to rend open reality. From the new portal emerged several spiders and hundreds of tendrils. Shadow gritted his teeth and struck out at his enemies. A spider lashed out as the flaming pony fended off some tendrils scoring a hit on Shadow's flank only to burst in flame and turn to dust. Two more arachnids appeared taking the fallen creatures spot. From the fresh wound seeped out more of Shadow's weird blood. Shadow fought with such veracity, bucking, biting, fencing and skewering but even as a nightmare he was beginning to feel the exhaustion. For every fallen foe there was more to stand in the way. Shadow was overcome with desperation as pony Trixie shouted for help. Three inky black tubes connected both Demon and pony Trixie to each other.

"Get your grossness out of Trixie!"

Trixie struggled to shake herself free from the demon's grasp but was unsuccessful. The blue unicorn's complexion faded as her essence was drained.

"Trixie doesn't feel so good."

********************

A blast of searing red fire and several wind sickles appeared wiping out more of Demon Trixie's minions.

"It's a good thing we arrived when we did," said an unfamiliar voice of an orange unicorn with a goatee.

"Right you are my boy," said an elderly unicorn with a white beard.

With the help of the two new unicorns the one-sided battle began to turn. Finally, a clear view appeared before the elderly unicorn.

"Stella?" said the elder unicorn.

As if on que the demon Trixie's gaze fell onto the elder unicorn. "Starswirl," said the demon with a panicked ethereal voice.

The demon needed a diversion. Using so much quintessence was taxing on the mortal body she now possessed. Demon Trixie only needed her other self. Sunset was dying and of no use to the spider demon, so she gripped Sunset in her human arms and removed the spider legs from the yellow unicorn. Without the black appendages Sunset's wounds began to gush. Without a word demon Trixie heaved the bleeding Sunset at the ponies like a projectile. This action had the desired affect and drew the attention of her enemies. Demon Trixie made a split-second retreat into the void taking her pony self with her.

********************

Starswirl the Bearded caught Sunset with his telekinesis slowing her decent. Shadow rushed over just in time to pluck the injured unicorn out of the spell and gently place her on the ground. Starswirl was shocked that the flames of the nightmare brought no harm to the bleeding mare. Shadow's attention was pulled away from his companion. The monsters were vanishing back into the holes they appeared from. Scanning from left to right Shadow found no sign of Trixie. "She has her." Shadow dashed to the nearest portal he spotted only to be stopped by Starswirl.

"Now is not the time my boy. If you charge in there with your quintessence flowing out, you will perish. If that happens you will be of no use to that mare or anypony else for that matter."

"Get out of my way old man," Snarled Shadow.

"I can't do that."

Shadow was prepared to disintegrate Starswirl, when a booming voice reverberated from the sky.

"Stand down now or face the consequences."

"Who the hell do any of you think you are, trying to stand in my way?" shouted Shadow as three alicorns landed next to him.

"I am Princess Celestia ruler of Equestria and this here is Princess Luna and Princess Twilight Sparkle," replied Celestia with her authoritative voice.

"I don't care who you are. If you stop me from saving Trixie, you will burn!"

"If you continue your rampage, I will turn you to stone" Celestia spat back.

Shadow focused his burning eyes towards the ruler of Equestria. "If this is the way it must be then fine. You will be the first I turn to ashes."

Celestia, refusing to back down lowered her horn towards the charging nightmare and released a rainbow at him. The colored beam hit Shadow square in the chest but had no effect.

"What? That is impossible he should have turned to stone..." said an awestruck Celestia.

Celestia summoned up a shield just in the nick of time to absorb most of the impact but Shadow's horn still pierced the barrier scoring a hit on the princess's right side. Celestia winced in pain as her flesh burned from the intense heat.

"Sister!" shouted Luna running to her sister's aid.

Shadow lashed out with his rear hooves, connecting with Luna's head rendering her unconscious.

Hearing the commotion Sunset began to stir. The scene before her was of Shadow fighting the rulers of Equestria and to her surprise Shadow was winning. "I have to do something before someone else gets hurt" thought Sunset. With every ounce of energy, she could muster Sunset dragged her crippled body towards Shadow.

"Shadow STOP!" shouted Sunset.

Twilight stared from Sunset to Shadow her jaw hanging open in shock. "That's Shadow?"

Shadow turned to face the new interruption. "What ingrate stops me now?" roared Shadow unable to recognize Sunset through all the burning rage.

"You ignorant, Snart for brained ass," shouted a tearful Sunset as she kissed Shadow.

The flames surrounding Shadow began to extinguish. "S... u... n... s... set..." escaped his mouth as his eyes slowly drooped. Little motes of quintessence seeped from Shadow's wounds, blanketing him and Sunset as they collapsed to the ground.

********************

"Shadow Lulamoon? It can't be," said Starswirl in awe.

"Starswirl I read you journal about Grishadera and the glass spider in the Cantelot Library. It is time you told us what in Equestria is going on," said Twilight with a stern expression on her face.

"It will be a long story, Twilight my friend."

"Indulge me Starswirl."

********************

Elsewhere in another dimension,

The royal trio Zany, Twinkle Sparkle and Flurry Heart were in the royal library playing a game of Ogres and Oubliettes.

"Zany you little cheat!"

"I am offended Flurry Heart that you would think that I would stoop so low as to manipulate your dice. You are the alicorn who rolled snake eyes all on your own," replied Zany innocently.

"Grrrr... you know what I mean Lamey. Just look at the dice every side is a one."

"Actually, Flurry that was me," said Twinkle with an impish smile.

"I expect this kind of behavior from your boyfriend but not you Twinkle," said Flurry with a scowl.

"Come on Twinkle Toes you know our party's survival depends on that roll to break the metal door and escape this dungeon," said Zany scolding his girlfriend.

"It's just a game" said Twinkle waving her left hoof nonchalantly.

"JUST A GAME?" shouted Zany and Flurry in unison.

"Bahahaha... you should see your faces right now... I am just kidding," said Twinkle gleefully.

"I have become a bad influence... it is pretty bad when I am the serious one," mumbled Zany.

"Enough of this banter and fix my dice so I can roll you, Snart face," said Flurry giving Twinkle an unamused expression.

Ignoring her cousin's glare Twinkle levitated a pair of purple six-sided dice to Flurry Heart.

"Come on Flutter Nutter break that door with your warrior's strength," cheered Zany.

Flurry's horn glowed yellow as the dice were levitated and dropped back onto the table. The plastic cubes rolled end over end until a single pip was displayed on either die.

"Nooooo..." shrieked Flurry, her face contorted in anger.

"Looks like you didn't need the trick dice to fail your roll after all," teased Twinkle.

Flurry Heart glared daggers at Twinkle. "Silence knave."

Zany quickly broke up the argument and began reading from the adventure book. "Caradina Oakes Bane, swings her great sword at the metal door. A loud clang reverberated across is shiny surface. Then there was a blinding flash as the door's lightning trap is set off. The mighty warrior smelling like burnt toast flies through the air smacking her head on the far wall. Caradina, slides to the floor leaving behind a red streak as unconsciousness overtakes her."

"Oh, for the love of Celestia!" shouted Flurry banging her front hooves on the table.

"Is everything alright in here Floopy dear?" asked Flurry's mother Cadance from the opened library door.

"Everything is fine mother," grumbled Flurry through gritted teeth.

Zany and Twinkle began to snicker at Flurry's discomfort.

"Good to hear Floopy dear. How about you three brave adventurers take a break and join me and your father for dinner?"

"Sounds good mother... We will join you in a few minutes," said Flurry with a fake smile.

Pleased, Cadance trotted out of the library to join her husband. Flurry turned back to her companions with a scowl. "I am glad some ponies are amused."

This just elicited another giggle from the couple.

********************

Shadow slowly opened his eyes, focusing on nearby flickering light. "What the heck?" The stallion jumped to his feet, startled by what he saw. "What is this place? Did I die?" Shadow's voice echoed through the sea of stars like a leaf on the wind. Looking around Shadow noticed a silver thread trailing behind him as well as a several read ones attached to his horn. The silver thread stayed rooted to the spot where he woke up and no amount of moving changed that. While the red threads lead off into different directions. Studying the ruby strands Shadow noticed one was a more vibrant shade of red. "I guess I have to start somewhere." Carefully Shadow moved his front right hoof and stepped forward. A small rippling ring cascaded out from him hoof. "That's different!" With a bit more confidence Shadow followed the brightest red string. Off in the distance the red thread ended at a lone figure.

"Sunset Shimmer," said Shadow calling out to his companion.

Sunset didn't acknowledge Shadow when he neared. The young mare had a panicked expression on her face as she moved around. Sunset's frantic movements jerked her head to the left and then to the right. Shadow realized his companion looked lost or to be seeking something. Cautiously Shadow closed the distance to his friend. Freely floating around Sunset was a silver strand like his own but the big difference was that her ethereal thread looked to have been cut. As Shadow watched in wonder, Sunset began to flicker in and out as her outline dimmed. The soft echoing words "only you," compelled Shadow to touch his horn to Sunset's horn. Her astral form solidified as the silver thread mended itself.

"Sha... dow..." said a dazed Sunset.

"Yea... I am here."

"What hap... pened?"

"I'm not sure. I woke up in this strange place and followed this red string to you. When I arrived, you were walking around like some crazed pony."

"That's not what I meant."

Sunset's eyes widened as she realized what happened. "I DIED!"

"For being dead you sure are rather spry."

"I had spider legs in me... so much blood..." said Sunset examining herself.

Crystalline drops ran down her cheeks and pattered against the sea of stars.

"Focus on me Sunshim. Listen to my voice," whispered Shadow lifting his friend's head so that she was looking straight into his fuchsia eyes.

Shadow held Sunset’s gaze until the sobbing subsided.

"Better?"

Sunset nodded her head.

"Good, because I suck at giving moral support."

"You do alright," said Sunset with a soft smile.

Gripes, grudges... healing!

"So, what is this place Sunset?"

"The astral plain."

"Do you mean the realm between realities?"

"Yes, that one. Don't you remember the last time we were here together?"

"The last... time?"

"Yes! There was two of you. Your pony form was sleeping while your human self-spoke to me."

"What did we talk about?" asked Shadow with an inquisitive expression.

"We discussed possible futures and..." replied Sunset hesitating.

"What?"

"Nothing... just never mind."

"You can't just say never mind after saying something. It might be important... and help us save Trixie," said Shadow coaxing his companion to say what was on her mind.

Sunset chewed on her lower lip, contemplating on whether Shadow should know. "Just rip the bandage off Sunset." thought the fiery haired unicorn.

"Augmenter... you are an augmenter of causality!" said Sunset a bit too loudly, her voice echoing throughout the plain.

"That is the second time you have used that title!"

Sunset silently nodded her head in agreement.

"What does it mean?" said Shadow rubbing his chin with his left hoof, while he pondered the question.

"You said... well not you. The other you said to think of it as being like a battery," replied Sunset.

"A battery?" asked Shadow with a skeptical expression.

"Yep."

"Sunset... are you sure that your brain didn't get damaged during all the fighting?"

"Grrr... listen you ass!" Just think for a moment what does a battery do?"

"We use batteries as a power source for technology."

"Basically... but there is more to it than that," replied Sunset nonchalantly.

"Really... you don't say?" scoffed Shadow with exasperation.

"maybe if you weren't being such a doosh, I wouldn't be so cryptic," chided Sunset.

"Do you really want to argue semantics right now?" growled Shadow.

"Not really because talking to you is like talking to that star over there. In fact, I would probably have a better discussion with the star than I would with you," shouted Sunset.

"Fine... I am sorry... alright..." Shadow choked out.

Sunset thought for a moment before speaking. "Shadow has opened up since our first meeting as well as willingly rescue and comfort me..." With a heavy "Sigh!" Sunset spoke.

"Long story short you amplify or augment the abilities of others around you, but I believe there is more to it than that."

"For example?" asked Shadow minus the sarcasm.

"Let me think for a second...aha. What were you thinking about when you turned into that flaming nightmare?"

"Wha... what does that have to do with anything?" said Shadow blushing.

"Just humor me you doof," said Sunset, smiling at Shadow's discomfort.

"When... Trixie hurt... you... I felt a surge of power flow into me as I was filled with rage."

Sunset turned her head away, blushing from Shadow's words.

"Sunset?" asked Shadow breaking the young mare's reverie.

"Oh... um sorry what were we talking about?"

"About there being more to it."

"Ah... right... right. I believe there is more to it than just enhancement. I believe you can also augment yourself with the abilities of others."

"You can turn into nightmare?" asked Shadow.

"To be honest I have never tried... but..."

"Oh heck no... we are not doing this dance again. Spill it Sunshim!"

"Well... do you know what happened during the fall formal?"

"I do recall Trixie speaking nonsense about a demon, but I usually just ignore her."

"You should really learn to listen to your sister... Trixie is smarter than you give her credit for. I mean yea she can be a bit eccentric..."

"A bit... try living with her."

"Heheheh... I will have to take your word on that," laughed Sunset.

"Anyways Trixie was telling you the truth. I was that demon."

"You, Sunset Shimmer turned into a demon?"

"It's something I am not proud of but when all of that raw uncontrollable magic flowed into me I was consumed by my lust for power and turned into a raging she demon."

"So obviously you turned back otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation. Hmmm... "

"What are you thinking about oh augmenter sensei?"

"So essentially you are full of raw magic that I can tap into... how does that explain those visions we shared when we...you know?" asked Shadow blushing.

"... kissed," said Sunset finishing the sentence.

"Yea... that."

"Well my ability allows me to see other’s thoughts and feelings when I touch them. So theoretically with your augmenter abilities you can enhance my empathy powers, thus making them prophetic..."

"No, I feel we are missing something."

"I don't understand Shadow?"

"When I am with you its more than just simple enhancement there is some connection there."

"Okay... but what makes you think that?"

"Well for starters every once in a while, I see a red thread that connects me to you. It is not just you either. Pony Trixie and my crazy spider sister had one as well."

"What do you think it could mean Shadow?"

"I don't have enough evidence right now to formulate a theory. What I can say for sure is you are part of the equation Sunset."

Sunset just blushed. Before she could reply Sunset felt a tug and was ripped from the astral plain.

********************

Sunset began to stir from the sound of nearby voices. Bleary eyed, Sunset focused on a familiar lavender silhouette.

"Doctor what is the verdict?" said a familiar voice.

"Verdict what does she mean verdict?" thought Sunset.

"Ms. Shimmer died due to blood loss, but then she was enveloped by a silver aura and her wounds closed and she now has a pulse."

"That's great news Doctor," replied the familiar voice.

"You might think so Princess Twilight, but if your friend recovers, she may not feel the same way," said the doctor.

"What do you mean?" asked Princess Twilight Sparkle.

"Yea... What do you mean?" thought Sunset"

The doctor's vibrant brown coat began to turn pale as he fidgeted with his stethoscope.

"To put it bluntly whatever caused those horrific wounds tore through not only vital but also her reproductive organs as well."

"So, what your saying is Sunset won’t ever be able to have children?"

"If she awakens, Ms. Shimmer will not be able to naturally have children," replied the doctor.

"There has to be something that can be done," cried Twilight tears blurring her vision.

"I f there is princess it is beyond my abilities."

********************

"Nooooooooooo!" Screamed Sunset from inside her unconscious mind.

Twilight glanced over to her friend "how am I going to break this news to her?" With troubled thoughts the lavender alicorn trotted over to Sunset. Gazing at her friend's resting form Twilight paused with a look of confusion on her face. The alicorn watched in awe as tears formed in Sunset Shimmer's half lidded eyes. The clear droplets cascaded down Sunset's cheeks pattering on the tiled floor with soft "plink!" sounds. Twilight Sparkle stood by Sunset's side, tears welling up in her own eyes. "I am so sorry Sunset Shimmer I wish there was more I could do for you."

Sunset Shimmer's possible future shattered like glass. Sunset finally realized that the one thing she didn't know she wanted, was now the one thing she that she couldn't have. The young mare grasped for whatever shards she could as the anguish wrapped her heart in its icy embrace.

********************

Shadow woke with a start, sitting up fast only to collapse back to the bed from a searing pain in his side. Shadow's gaze fell to his bandaged middle, watching as the white gauze turn red with his blood. "What the heck happened? Where am I?"

"Those are both good questions my little pony," said a calming voice.

"Who the frack are you?" asked Shadow glaring at the pink alicorn.

The stranger showed no sign of anger or resentment towards Shadow's rudeness. Instead the pink alicorn smiled. As shadow cautiously watched the newcomer, he felt his anxiety flow away.

"Oh, where are my manners I am Princess Cadance, ruler of the crystal empire. You are currently under house arrest in Princess Twilight Sparkle's castle."

"That's awesome, but I can't stay here I have to find Sunset and rescue Trixie!" muttered Shadow.

The stallion attempted to lift himself off the bed wincing in pain with each movement.

"I am afraid I can't let you leave right now?"

"Why is that... princess?" snarled Shadow.

Cadance remained smiling as she spoke. "I heard you were a raging nightmare and gave Celestia and Luna quite the thrashing and that is no small feat. So, until the rulers of Equestria deem you are not a threat I am to watch over you and make sure you remain inside Twilight's castle."

"If Celestia and Luna couldn't stop me together what chance do you have?" said Shadow with a haughty smile.

"Oh, you are in no condition to go anywhere. In fact, as we speak you have already reopened your wounds."

"Grrr... damn it you got me there!" grumbled Shadow.

"Well can you at least let me see Sunset?"

"That I cannot do either."

Shadow felt the anger deep within him start to boil forth. The stallion's fuchsia eyes narrowed as tiny specks of flame began to flicker at the corner of his eyes. Cadance stepped back her smile faltering a bit, unsure of what to say or do. Taking a calming breath, the alicorn spoke "Please calm down and let me explain."

Shadow silently nodded keeping his stare transfixed on Cadance.

"Your friend Sunset Shimmer isn't here... she is at the hospital in Ponyville."

"Nooooo!" shouted Shadow.

"Don't worry Twilight has informed me that Sunset is alive and is currently resting. So even if you went all nightmare again and blasted your way out, Sunset is in no condition to move. She may be alive, but she is not out of the woods yet. Besides as I mentioned before you are pretty battered up yourself."

Shadow couldn't argue with the logic of Cadance's statement. Slowly the dancing flames in Shadow's eyes flickered out only to be replaced by glistening tears.

The room fell into silence for several minutes before Cadance shattered the quiet.

"I can't blame you for losing yourself to your rage. Love has a strange way of influencing us when the ones we care about are in danger. Sunset must be very import to you and from the way she extinguished you flames I do believe she feels the same way about you."

Shadow just stared at Cadance with a skeptical look.

"Don't worry everything will work out and you can see Sunset soon. Besides Celestia isn't one to hold a grudge for long. But you may find yourself in another duel with her again. She doesn't like to lose," said Cadance with a gentle giggle.

Cadance assumed Shadow's continued silence was due to his sadness and worry for Sunset but the pink alicorn was only half right. Something she had said clicked in the young stallion's brain. Shadow's eyes widened in realization "Can that really be the answer?"

********************

A full week went by before Shadow was able to finally get up and move around again without reopening his wounds. Even that feat was not a comfort. With each awkward step the unicorn took, needles of pain stabbed his side. " If Sunset could endure, then so can I."

On his tenth day in Equestria Shadow could go see Sunset, but only under Twilight's supervision.

"Cadance lied... Celestia does hold a grudge. Even after she says that I am free to go, that Snart for brains stick in the mud has someone stalking me," spat Shadow, glaring at Twilight.

"To be fair, you not only thrashed the rulers of Equestria but you also threatened to destroy them if they got in your way. If Cadance had not stepped in on your behalf Princess Celestia would have packed your rump to Tartarus. So instead of chastising Cadance you should probably thank her," replied Twilight nonchalantly.

"I was strong enough to defeat Celestia... would that place even be enough to hold me?" asked Shadow skeptically.

"Who knows? I guess we can postpone this visit to Sunset to find out," said Twilight stopping and sharing a devilish smile with Shadow.

"That would be counterproductive to saving Trixie."

"I agree so shall we continue?" said Twilight.

Shadow nodded in agreement. With Twilight trotting on his left flank the pair made their way to the Ponyville Hospital.

********************

The lights were turned off shrouding the room in perpetual darkness while Sunset lie in the hospital bed with her back to the door. The atmosphere in the hospital room was ripe with depression and self-pity as well as a lingering odor that reeked like unwashed feet. Shadow covered his nose while Twilight knocked.

"Hey Sunset, I have some good news the doctor gave you a clean bill of health and I also brought a friend," said Twilight acting cheerful.

"Please just go away Twi... I don't want to see anyone" said Sunset with a raspy voice.

Twilight looked to Shadow with a concerned expression. With a deep sigh Shadow braved the murky realm. "Who would have guessed that Sunset Shimmer would be all lame and mopey with self-pity while her friend was a prisoner."

"Go away Shadow I want to see you least of all," said Sunset.

Shadow tapped Twilight and pointed towards the curtains with his horn. Twilight nodded with understanding. The room filled with blinding light. Sunset grumbled, pulling the blanket over her face with her levitation magic. Shadow sensed the subtle shift in Sunset's aura and tapped into it.

"Not happening Sunshim!" came the reply as Shadow levitated the blanket off Sunset. The young mare released a hiss as she squinted against the agonizing light.

"I know what you are trying to do, and it won’t work. You can't goad me into leaving..." said Sunset not showing any emotion.

Sunset turned from her friends shoving her face into the pillow. Shadow using his borrowed magic yanked the pillow away. The mare's face rebounded of the bouncy mattress. With a sudden spark of anger, the fiery haired unicorn glared at her assailant. Shadow took his antics to the next level. Before any pony could react, Sunset levitated off the bed as it slid across the floor. Seconds later Sunset hit the floor with a loud "thump." Shadow ignored the growl from his companion and levitated a bucket of soapy mop water into the room and released it over Sunset. The deluge of water soaked the mare from head to tail.

"Good now that you smell better you Snart for brains follow me. I need to run some experiments and I need a lab rat."

"Um... Shadow maybe you shouldn't provoke her anymore. I believe you got the desired response," squeaked Twilight backing away.

The slight twinge of anger inside Sunset erupted into a fiery inferno. Radiant red and blue flames flickered from her eyes and horn. Sunset engulfed in fire, focused her seething gaze onto Shadow. "You... horse's...ASS!"

"Fancy that!" chuckled Shadow.

Shadow felt a shift in the air as Sunset unknowingly drew from his essence, enhancing herself. Shadow then reciprocated by borrowing from his companion's well of energy. Purple flames licked at Shadow's hooves as the telltale signs of fire flickered in his eyes.

Twilight looked from the seething visage of Sunset to Shadow who was grinning from ear to ear. "Wait... he is smiling. Even though they have both transformed into nightmares, Shadow seems to be in control. Fascinating." The lavender alicorn silently watched with increasing curiosity at the exchange between the nightmares.

"Success!" Echoed Shadow's ethereal voice.

Sunset pawed the floor with her right hoof. Shadow slowly cantered over to his companion, wincing in pain as Sunset's blazing horn pierced his ethereal body. Silver wisps of essence erupted from his left shoulder. Ignoring the pain Shadow pressed his face to his companions. Where the nightmares' horns crossed a single red thread winked into existence and then vanished.

"We were right Sunshim... there was more to it than that. The experiment was a success," whispered Shadow with a soothing voice.

Sunset blinked and for the first time in days felt more like herself.

"I hate you," said Sunset.

Shadow just smiles.

The flames surrounding the couple danced for several minutes before finally extinguishing.

"I am... broken... and useless... Why?" asked Sunset.

"You really are a Snart for brains. You're not the only one who is broken" replied Shadow with a sad smile.

********************

"Ahem!" coughed Twilight. "I don't mean to be the wet blanket here but maybe we should go before the hospital staff notices the scorch marks and burnt furniture."

"My assistant SciTwi has a point," chuckled Shadow.

"Assistant? SciTwi? I am neither of those things," scoffed Twilight Sparkle.

Sunset and Shadow share a quiet laugh at the alicorn's expense.

As the trio stepped outside the hospital, they heard a loud scream, "What in Celestia's name happened in here."

Twilight looked to the unicorn couple with a distressed expression on her face. "I suggest we make haste back to my castle... and... um let us keep this little incident to ourselves."

Shadow and Sunset nodded in agreement as they hurried after the alicorn.

********************

Back at Twilight's crystal castle Starswirl and the strongest magic users were discussing the newest threat to Equestria.

"We need to know our enemy! Please fill us in Starswirl" said Celestia using her royal voice.

Author's Note

Here it is finally finished chapter 11. I have been told my writing is getting better. But it only took 11 chapters. Well to all those ready and following please enjoy and as always please comment and let me know what you think. Author Lulamoon sighning off. Till next chapter.

...Future?

Author's Note

Here is the next chapter please enjoy.

...Future?

A bright yellow moon cast its gleaming light down upon the Crystal Empire while stars glittered in the clear winter sky. Iridescent Dusk silently crept through the dark alley avoiding lighted windows and the occasional alley cat. Even though she was using her ghosting ability, Ira was overly cautious. The dark violet unicorn paused, listening for impending danger. Her breath wafted out as a misty cloud in the bitter evening air. The frozen city remained quiet except for the loud voice from her sister Aurora Breeze. "Damn it! Ira show yourself."

Ira, grumbling in frustration, dropped her ghosting right next to her sister.

"Can you be any louder Aubree? I don't think the entire city heard you," said Iridescent venomously.

"Oh, for fracks sake! How many times have I told you not to drop your invisibility right next to me," said the startled yellow mare.

"Ghosting; doofus."

"What's the difference Ira?" asked Aubree shrugging.

"If I was invisible, I could go unseen in the daylight hours."

"Like that matters Ira. When the sun is up you look like a hazy spirit. Who would even go near you?"

"I wouldn't know because I am stuck with you," muttered Ira.

"Don't be a bitch Ira. I am here for the same reason you are."

"I wonder... When the time comes will you be able to do the deed?"

"Really Ira? You're the one with the kitten fetish! I would worry more about your own resolve. BIG SISTER!" scoffed Aurora.

"You swore that you wouldn't bring that up," said Ira raising her voice.

"Oh no; my sister is afraid to show her caring side," taunted Aubree.

Iridescent feeling the building rage silently turned, cantering away from her sister.

"Wait up Ira. You know I can't keep up with you on the ground."

"That's because you're weak," said Ira seething as flecks of green fire danced in her sky-blue eyes.

"No, it’s because you refuse to let me fly."

"Do you know what would happen if an unknown alicorn was seen? Especially in the Crystal Empire of all places."

"Yea... yea... At least I would get to see her again," said Aurora with a defeated expression.

Ira felt her anger subside as she gazed at her younger sister. With Tear filled eyes she replied,” I know Aubree... I know."

********************

Elsewhere

"I love Uncle Shining Armor, but he sure can talk,” said Twinkle.

"He wasn't as bad as my mother... If I had to listen to one more baby story, I would have leveled the castle."

"Oh, lighten up drama queens. They were not that bad. I liked all the embarrassing stories about the alicorn princesses," said Zany with a mischievous laugh.

Both mares glared at Zany, causing the half-breed to laugh even harder.

"Next time I see Fluttershy or Discord I will ask them to recount some wild tales about you," scoffed Flurry Heart.

"Nice try Flutter Nutter, any storys my parents may have won't embarrass me. I do however have some dirt that will embarrass them," said Zany holding his cheshire grin.

"I bet Screwball would have some great stories," said Twinkle nonchalantly.

Zany dropped his smile as he tried to deflect his girlfriend. "You don't even like my sister Twinkle Toes."

"Oh Lamey! I like your sister just fine. I said I didn't like talking to her because we don't have anything in common. Besides... YOU!" replied Twinkle with wicked grin.

"Hmm... I really need to rethink this whole dating thing," muttered Zany.

Zany remained quiet for the remainder of the time, until the trio reached the library. "Well shall we continue our adventure?"

"I refuse to let the game end with me unconscious," said Flurry.

Sitting around the small oak table the friends continued.

"It’s your turn oh Eridimus the Wacky. What will you do?" asked Twinkle Sparkle.

"I don't have any spells strong enough to open this door so I will cast summon ally," replied Zany.

The young half-breed gestured with a flourish of his hands and some fancy words. The lights in the library dimmed as the air was sucked from the room. It became hard for the friends to breath while time came to a standstill. A black hole slowly emerged. It expanded, stretching out across the floor like a molten volcano. Flurry Heart cast a spell of her own. The pink alicorn's horn glowed with a yellow aura, enveloping the trio in a shield bubble. Three ethereal red strings appeared from each of them only to disappear into the dark void.

"Zany what in Celestia's name have you done?" shouted Twinkle.

"I have no idea! My power has never been strong enough to cause a black hole," replied Zany with a worried expression on his face.

********************

Iridescent Dusk leaned against the wall of a nearby house watching from the shadows as the guards patrolled the castle's front gate. The young mare studied every step the guards took gauging the time she and Aurora would need to sneak past undetected. Ira didn't have long to wait as her patience was rewarded. The clear starry night sky ripped open right above the castle as flashes of prismatic lightning streaked across the sky with loud booming sounds. With a quick flash of red the hole was gone. The guards paused as they watched the spectacle. "All available guards to the throne room," came a shout for somepony unseen.

"Aubree its time!" said Ira with a cold and calm expression.

Aurora Breeze stared at her sister's determined expression and nodded. when the last guard vanished behind the closing gate the sisters made their move. A green aura emanated from Aubree's horn, holding the gate in place with telekinesis. Ira galloped for the gate skidding beneath it to the other side. With her sister clear Aurora ducked under and released her magic. The loud resounding "crash!" masked the duo's footsteps as they crept further into the castle.

********************

Twilight's Crystal Castle

Shadow stalked through the halls seething, from Sunset's disregard for his feelings.

"After all that we have been through how could she use me like that?"

The young stallion stopped in front of an open door. Peering inside Shadow gaped in awe at the site. Twenty-foot-tall shelves were arranged around the room covering every wall. The wooden shelves were lined from top to bottom with more books than he had ever seen. The first time Shadow was in this room he and Sunset had entered through the mirror portal and crashed into a pile of books. Then soon after were escorted out due to smelling like trash. Shadow took his time examining the library in all its grandeur. Off in the corn of the room was the mirror that had landed him in Equestria. The stallion's attention was pulled from the portal towards the center of the room when Twilight spoke to him. "Good morning Shadow. I didn't expect to see you here so early in the morning. Especially without Sunset." Shadow cringed at the mention of Sunset. Twilight quickly picked up on Shadow's reaction.

"Oh no! Did something happen between you two?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"If you share with me, I will share what I know about this," said Twilight pointing to the contents on the cloth covered table with her right hoof.

Strewn across the table's surface was an open brown saddle bag, a journal with a symbol that matched Sunset Shimmer's cutie mark and several glass obsidian shards.

"Is that the spider that was involved with Trixie's accident?" asked Shadow.

"Yes," replied Twilight.

Shadow glared at Twilight for a moment then after a heavy sigh said, "yeah something did happen."

"What?"

"The bitch used me, then ripped out my heart. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED!"

Twilight stepped back from the loud outburst and with a sorrowful expression said, "I am sorry Shadow."

The alicorn's sincere sadness washed over Shadow, quelling his anger.

"It isn't your fault. I was the idiot who had sex with Sunset."

"You ... what?" Twilight choked, blushing at Shadow's bluntness.

The Princess of Friendship opened her mouth to say more but stopped. The light in the room dimmed. Blue cloudless skies outside the window, darkened as prismatic lightening danced. The room turned stifling making it hard to breath. The two ponies watched in horror as a black hole opened beside Shadow.

"Oh... shit!" said Shadow as he slid across the floor towards the portal.

The stallion grabbed a hold of the table as he passed by it. That only bought him a second or two as the black hole grew. Twilight tried using her telekinesis, attempting to pull the stallion to her. The portal was stronger. Shadow slid once again towards impending doom. The contents on the table flew off, colliding with the unicorn. Several of the glass shards sliced the stallion's flesh as they passed by while the Journal crashed into his face, causing Shadow to let go. Twilight lunged for her him but was a moment too late. The lavender alicorn crashed to the floor with a resounding "thump!" The wind rushed from her lungs with a soft "whoosh!" When Twilight righted herself Shadow and the contents of the table were gone, sucked into the vortex.

"SPIKE I NEED YOU!" shouted Twilight, galloping out of the library.

********************

Sunset Shimmer lie on her bed, wrapped in soaked sheets. Her chest heaved as she continued to sob.

The shout "Sunset," followed by several pounding sounds from her bedroom door startled the unicorn. Sunset ignoring the interruption, placed her head under the pillow.

"SUNSET SHIMMER I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!"

"Go away, Twilight."

Upon hearing her friend's muffled voice, the alicorn banged on the door again. "Sunset open up. We need to talk..."

"If it’s about Shadow I have nothing to say. So just go away."

Twilight hesitated before speaking, "I am not here to talk about what happened last night..."

"I don't care leave me alone," shouted Sunset.

"So, you don't care that Shadow could possibly have been killed?" Twilight spat back.

The hallway remained silent for several minutes and just when Twilight was going to leave the twin doors cracked open, revealing a very disheveled and distraught Sunset. "This better not be a trick Twi, or you will regret it." Twilight wrapped her friend in a gentle embrace. Hesitantly Sunset returned the hug. "Twi?" said Sunset as she felt the wetness of tears on her shoulder as Twilight cried.

"I... I am so sorry Sunset... I tried to save Shadow... but... it wasn't enough," said Twilight through wracking sobs.

"Twilight... What happened?" asked Sunset panicked; pushing her friend away.

Twilight, gazed into Sunset's aqua eyes, hyperventilating.

"Breath Twilight," said Sunset calmly.

The Princess of Friendship settled down with a reassuring squeeze from her friend.

"A vortex appeared out of nowhere and swallowed Shadow."

Sunset felt the onrush of fresh tears drip from her cheeks. "Oh, Celestia what have I done."

********************

Shadow fell through time and space; distorted images flew past. As the stallion continued his decent, he focused on one of the images. Shadow watched in horror as molten rocks rained from the sky, crashing down all around him while he cradled a dark violet unicorn.

"I was the weak one... Aubree," said the dying unicorn.

Shadow had no time to consider the implications of this image as the vortex opened and spat him out.

********************

Flurry Heart shook up, jumped as a light blue unicorn crashed into her shield like a bird flying into a closed window. The pony remained there for a moment before slowly sliding down it like a cartoon character.

"Zany is he a friend of yours?" asked Twinkle scrunching her eyes inquisitively.

"Never met him before now."

"Nice work Lamey," Chided Flurry.

"We should check to see if he is alright," said Twinkle.

"I vote for Flutter Nutter," said zany pointing to the pink alicorn.

Flurry glared at the half-breed. "This isn't a democracy you Snart for brains."

"You are the oldest," said Twinkle stating the obvious.

"Fine... Whatever," grumbled Flurry.

Flurry Heart releasing her shield bubble cautiously prodded the stranger with her left hoof. "Hey are you alright?" Flurry turned to her friends and shrugged "I think he is dead." The trio jumped when the stranger stirred.

********************

"What the frack hit me?" said Shadow rubbing his head as he stood. Disoriented, Shadow opened his eyes to see three new faces staring back at him. As the stallion tried to focus on the trio they kept moving like the images in a kaleidoscope.

"Stop moving," grumbled shadow.

"Um... we are not moving," said the pink alicorn.

"Have a seat," said the younger female guiding Shadow to a chair at the gaming table.

Shadow slumped into the offered seat, resting his head on the cool flat table surface. Some time passed before Shadow's vision cleared. The stallion groaned when he saw the two new alicorns. "Oh, lucky me. Two more spoiled princesses to be annoyed by."

"Who do you think you are? You don't even know us and you're already judging," scoffed Flurry.

"Your snooty attitude proves I am right."

"Bwahahaha he got you there, Flurry Heart," laughed Zany at his friend’s expense.

"Silence knave," said Flurry seething with rage.

"I think we started off on the wrong hoof. How about everypony just calm down," said Twinkle.

All those present stared at the purple alicorn and after several seconds, silently nodded.

Shadow was the first to break the silence. "Where am I, and who are you three?

"You are in the Crystal Empire's castle library. I am Princess Twinkle Sparkle. The goofy one is my special some pony, Zany Prince of Chaos and the spoiled one is my cousin, Princess Flurry Heart."

"Really Twinkle... I expect this abuse from Zany, not you."

"Sorry Flurry."

"Now that you know who we are... thanks to my blabber mouth of a cousin. What do we call you oh rude one?" asked Flurry with a haughty sneer.

My name is Shadow Lulamoon. Your attitude is grating on my nerves. I suggest pulling the stick out of your ass and treat me with a bit of respect."

"Attitude you’re the one with the..." said Flurry, interrupted by the castle guards as they rushed through the library doors.

"Give yourself up, intruder you're under arrest!" shouted the guards, pointing spears at Shadow.

"Like hell I will. Drop your spears or the spoiled princess gets it."

Shadow shot out of his chair like lighting, grabbing Flurry Heart. The young stallion's heart fluttered as he drew Flurry closer. "What the heck is this feeling?" thought Shadow.

Flurry struggled for an instant before she felt her heart skip a beat. "Why do feel warm."

Everypony stepped back from the pair as purple and yellow lightening leapt out of their horns, enveloping them in electricity.

"What is going on in here?" said a stern male voice.

All heads turned to see Shining Armor followed by his wife Princess Cadance enter the room. The royal couple seeing their daughter held hostage shouted in unison. "FLURRY HEART!"

"Release my daughter this instant or else," said Shining, glaring at Shadow.

"I know how this game plays out. Not happening," growled Shadow.

"Take me hostage instead and release my daughter," said Cadance with a determined expression.

"Daughter? Cadance when we talked at Twilight's castle you said your daughter was a baby. I never thought that you would lie to me."

"Twinkle, honey did your mother upgrade to a castle?"

"No aunt Cadance. Mom still owns the library in Ponyville."

"Mom? Twilight never mentioned having a kid or even being married. Where did that vortex bring me?" demanded Shadow in bewilderment.

"If you don't release my daughter a vortex will be the least of you worries," said Shining, single minded.

The electricity running through her body filled Flurry with warmth. While her captor's attention was occupied with her parents Flurry Heart gazed into his fuchsia eyes. In that moment she knew she shared some special connection with this stranger.

"FATHER ENOUGH!" said Flurry using her royal voice.

All eyes turned to the new interruption.

"We were in the middle of our role-playing game when you and your guards, interrupted."

"Wait so you’re not really a hostage?" asked Cadance.

"No!" Flurry spoke with finality.

"What?" asked Shadow.

"Just play along. Snart for brains," whispered Flurry.

"Oh... wait a minute so are we still role playing here?" Shadow replied.

Flurry glanced over to Twinkle and Zany, both of whom proceeded to act.

"Wow Flurry, your you and Shadow really know how to play your roles," replied Twinkle.

"Yea I do believe it’s your turn again Flurry," added Zany.

"I will roll the dice as soon as my parents take their peons and leave," growled Flurry glaring at Cadance and Shining Armor.

Cadance, not believing her daughter for one second, stared into her blue eyes. Seeing Flurry's conviction, Cadance released a defeated sigh, ushering her husband and his militia out the door.

With a soft smile Cadance nodded, gently shutting the door.

Flurry waited to speak until the hoof falls of the guards could no longer be heard. Then she faced her captor.

"You owe me!"

Shadow just stared at the spoiled alicorn. "This can't be good."

Fated Meetings!

Author's Note

Well here it is Chapter 14. This chapter is a bit more light hearted and the ground work has been layed for the next part of the story. As always enjoy.

Fated Meetings!

Twilight's castle, Present Day

"Twilight I need you to breath. Think back. Tell me what happened. Start from the beginning, and don't leave out any details. The smallest thing may help us get Shadow back," said Sunset.

Twilight paced the library floor as she relived the incident. When she reached the part about the journal knocking Shadow into the portal Sunset jump from her seated position.

"My journal that's great news."

"I fail to see how that is good news," muttered Twilight.

"Twi, my communication journal!"

"Wait... Do you think it got sucked into the vortex with Shadow?"

"There is only one way to find out. I need your journal Twilight."

"Let me run to my room to get it."

Twilight galloped out of the library to retrieve her journal while Sunset waited. The few minutes Twilight was gone seemed like hours to Sunset as her mind wandered to the other night she shared with Shadow. "I am probably the last pony he would want to hear from, but I can't think about that. Right now, I need to focus on getting him back and then..."

"I'm back," said Twilight interrupting Sunset's thoughts.

Sunset nearly tackled Twilight to the ground as she snatched the journal from her friend, opening it on the table. Choosing her words carefully Sunset began to write.

Shadow if you're there please respond when you get this message... I need to know if you're safe.

Sunset Shimmer

"You love him, don't you?" Twilight asked.

"What? No... we are just friends."

"Sunset you two had an intimate night together."

"So, what."

"Sunset I know that you would never just have a one-night stand, it isn't you."

"maybe you don't know me as well as you think," shouted Sunset defensively.

Twilight smiled softly, watching her friend.

"Don't judge me Twilight," said Sunset feeling guilty.

Twilight retained her relaxed posture.

"Fine... I... love him!"

Twilight cocked her head to the right, her smile widening.

"Did you hear me Twilight I love Shadow... From the moment we first kissed... I felt this connection to him that I can't explain."

"I heard you Sunset, but you had to hear it for yourself."

"Why are you so cruel, Twi?"

"Tough love, Sunshim, baby."

Sunset released a soft chuckle at Twilight's use of a cliché.

"If you love each other so much, why would you push him away?"

"... I was scared."

"Elaborate Sunset. Everypony gets scared."

"I'm broken... Twilight... I can't give him that future."

"What future?"

"The first kiss we shared we connected on an astral level. I had a vision..."

"What was it about?" Twilight, urged.

"It’s snowing outside, and we are together... I'm..."

"You're what?" asked Twilight holding her breath.

"Preg... nant."

The lavender alicorn's eyes widened as she blushed.

"But you can't have any children due to the encounter, with possessed Trixie," said Twilight finishing her friend's thought.

Depressed, Sunset silently nodded.

"Sunset all Shadow wants is for you to be by his side and love him. Everything else doesn't matter."

"It matters to me, Twi!"

"Why?"

"I don't know... Maybe because it means that I have truly been forgiven for my past deeds and can have a happy ending."

"Sunset, you create your own happy ending... Not fate..."

"It was more than a vision Twilight. It was right... Real!"

"An intense emotional connection can do that to you, Sunset. It doesn't mean it will happen."

"It did happen Twi..."

"Yes, you saw a glimpse of a possible outcome."

"I... want that future... but it was stolen from me..."

"He loves you right?"

"Who?" asked an emotionally confused Sunset.

"Shadow!" Twilight, urged."

"He said that, yes."

"Good start from there. If you two get to that point, adoption is always an option. Nothing is ever set in stone, Sunset Shimmer."

"... Oh, Celestia what have I done?"

"Sunset, dwelling on the past won't help. Push forward and worry about tomorrow."

"How do I fix this?" Sunset asked, her aqua eyes watering."

********************

Crystal Empire, alternate future.

"How do I owe you? If anything, you owe me princess," said Shadow.

"Who held whom hostage?"

"The hostage situation wouldn't have happened if you had not summoned me here... PRINCESS!"

"I had nothing to do with your situation. Zany is the pony who cast the spell that brought you here," scoffed Flurry.

"You're guilty by association," countered Shadow.

"We can argue semantics, or we can discuss more important matters," interrupted Twinkle.

"All we do is talk Twinkle Toes. I vote for lets finishing our game of O&O," said Zany.

"I don't care what you three, Snart for brains do but I need to find a way back to Twilight's castle. Before I got sucked down your fracking portal, she was going to tell me some important information that may help save Trixie," Said shadow venomously.

"Trixie... Trixie the Queen of the Changelings? Zany isn't she Mothball's elder sister?" asked Twinkle.

"Yes, but why is my brother in-law's sister, important?"

"Shadow, if you don't mind will you please tell us your story. I may not be my mother but if I knew a bit about your situation, I may be able to help and piece together this mystery," said Twinkle.

Shadow scrutinized Twinkle for a minute and replied "I am curious about this new Trixie. I guess help from Twilight's daughter is better than nothing."

Shadow sat down and cleared his throat. The dim candlelight set the perfect mood for his tale. The stallion started with the morning that changed his life to being pulled into the vortex. Shadow hesitated when he brought up Sunset, leaving out his intimate encounter with her. Flurry Heart picked up on the hesitation but kept it to herself. Twinkle and Zany both listened intently to Shadow's retelling of his adventures. Twinkle, Luna's little dream walker pupil, discerned that Shadow was not from their world nor of the current timeline.

"Even though Zany summoned you from an alternate past you are from another world called Earth?" asked Flurry with childlike wonder.

"Correct."

"This is so exciting I never thought I would get to meet somepony who has traveled through time and space," squealed Twinkle with glee.

"As Rainbow Dash always says, this is awesome. I feel a real adventure coming on," cheered Zany raising his right hoof into the air.

"That's great you loved my story but right now you three are useless, growled Shadow.

"Really? You hardly even know us and you're already insulting us," scoffed Flurry.

Shadow just rolled his eyes. "Prove me wrong oh wise one."

"I will prove you wrong. Sarcasm, notwithstanding."

"I'm sorry. Just give me a moment to compose myself... Alright. So if pony Trixie of the past was targeted it is safe to assume that our world's Trixie is also in danger. We need to contact her," interjected Twinkle, looking at her boyfriend.

"I guess I can send a message to Screwball and Mothball. They know how to reach Queen Trixie and let her know what's going on," said Zany.

"That's my good boy," teased Twinkle scratching behind her boyfriend's right ear.

"I'm not a dog you know," muttered Zany.

The half-draconequus, waved his right hoof in the air to reveal a flying toy horse. With a little whisper the toy flew through the library window with a crash. Broken glass shards glittered in the dim candlelight as they showered the blue carpeted floor.

"Really Zany," said Flurry scrunching her nose in frustration.

"Oops," said the shrugging half-breed.

"At least this is easier to clean up than the marshmallow bombs or the singing toast and jelly," said Twinkle.

"True enough... I was cleaning jelly out of my ears for days after that prank," growled Flurry.

Shadow released a loud snort as he snickered at the alicorn's expense. Flurry Heart glared at the stallion causing Shadow to laugh even harder.

The festivities abruptly ended when a buzzing sound came from a nearby book. Twinkle being the closest picked up the noisy book. As the alicorn placed the journal on the table the buzzing intensified. The book was bathed with a pink glow. "This is fascinating."

"Zany..." scolded Flurry.

"I wish it was me but the glowing, buzzing book isn't mine."

Shadow glanced at the journal, recognizing the red and yellow sun crest on the cover. The stallion's expression darkened, as he relived that awful morning. "You can just burn that shit... it belongs to... no one important."

"There is that look again. Whoever hurt him must own this book," thought Flurry. The pink alicorn cantered over to the glowing book and took a moment to examine the sun crest. Her horn glowed a soft yellow as the book opened. Flurry skimmed through some of the entries until she read the excerpt about Trixie. "So, he was telling the truth." Flurry Heart looked up from the book and her thoughts. Her blue eyes focused on Shadow as she studied him more carefully. For some strange reason the alicorn felt drawn to Shadow and couldn't bring herself to pull her gaze away from him.

Feeling the energy that Flurry Heart exuded, Shadow returned her gaze. When his fuchsia eyes met her blue ones both ponies felt a jolt in their chest, hearts fluttering. Flurry blushing averted her eyes to the open journal. "What is this feeling? It is pleasant yet frightening at the same time," wondered Flurry.

Although silent, Shadow's defeated posture betrayed him. Flurry knew he had been hurt and she intended to find out how deeply and then remedy that. "Then maybe... grrr! Why do I even care about this stranger? Flurry shut up, shut up, shut up." Flurry Heart shook her head trying to silence her thoughts. The alicorn was unsuccessful as her mind went wild.

"Well if I can't shut my mind off, maybe I can refocus my energy elsewhere."

Flurry Heart flipped through the rest of the pages of the journal. Careful not to miss any details the alicorn absorbed every word. She took a mental photo of everything and stored the images in the back of her mind for later use. "This appears to be a communication device. This Sunset Shimmer has one entry and signs off. While the next entry is written by Aunt Twili." Flurry's heart skipped a beat as she read the last entry.

Shadow if you're there please respond when you get this message... I need to know if you're safe.

Sunset Shimmer

"Um Shadow... there is a message here written by Sunset Shimmer. She seems to be really worried about you," said Flurry.

Shadow choking back a sob, grabbed his chest and closed his eyes through the pain. "Sunset doesn't care... about anyone but herself."

Flurry felt a twinge of guilt as her heart ached for Shadow. The princess wanted to do something for the distraught unicorn. "What can I do?"

Anger started to replace the guilt Flurry felt and tiny strands of yellow lightning danced in her eyes. "If this journal really is a two-way communicator then this Sunset Shimmer will get a piece of my mind... Wait why do I care so much? This has nothing to do with me." Glancing once more in Shadow's direction Flurry felt that electric jolt again deep within. "By Celestia... Sunset Shimmer it is on!"

I do not know who you are Sunset Shimmer but Whatever you did to Shadow has left him scarred. From the way he reacted to your name though I can surmise it was not good.

PS let me give you a little advice, go rot in Tartarus.

Never yours, Flurry Heart Princess of the Crystal Empire.

********************

Twilight's Crystal Castle Library

Sunset Shimmer sat with her head lying on the table.

"you're still here I see," stated Twilight flatly.

"I need to be ready just in case he writes."

"Sunset did it ever occur to you that maybe he doesn't want to speak with you right now?"

Sunset winced at Twilight's harsh words.

"Sunset you have been moping here for three weeks now. You need to live your life."

"I can't, not until I know he is alright."

"At least take a bath and eat something. Quite frankly your starting to smell."

"I can't, Twi. Everything I eat comes right back up."

"You can and you will. As Princess of Friendship I order you to bath and eat!"

"But the journal..."

"I will watch the journal, now go."

"And people use to call me cruel," grumbled Sunset.

"You haven't seen cruel yet missy," said Twilight scowling.

Sunset stood up on shaky legs and as she made her way towards the door the journal glowed. The fiery hair unicorn with a burst of energy galloped to the table knocking Twilight to the floor.

CRASH

"Ouch! By Celestia calm down. You're acting like a rabid animal Sunset." Twilight stood rubbing her head as she walked over and read over Sunset's shoulder.

Sunset's red aura opened the book to the last entry. Her heart sank with sadness as she read the first lines.

I do not know who you are Sunset Shimmer but Whatever you did to Shadow has left him scarred. From the way he reacted to your name though I can surmise it was not good.

Twilight ached for her friend but that changed just as quickly as Sunset's temper at the next part.

PS let me give you a little advice, go rot in Tartarus.

Never yours, Flurry Heart Princess of the Crystal Empire.

"Who the frack does this Flurry Heart think she is? I will rip out her heart and roast it over a fire," roared Sunset as red flames danced in her eyes.

The edges of the journal stated to smolder and smoke as Sunset seethed.

"Sunset you need to calm down if you destroy the journal, we won't have a way to save Shadow. Besides Flurry Heart is my niece and a baby. There will be no heart roasting!"

"Oh there will be. Then I will season it..."

"Sunset she is an innocent baby."

"A baby can't write like that. Unless she is some kind of super genious. Even then..."

Sunet Shimmer had the look of an angry crazy person plastered across her face. Twilight was quick to take action. A lavender aura enveloped the book and was levitated out of the unicorn's deadly reach.

"Breath Sunset, breath. The book did nothing to you. Plus we know Shadow is safe with the help of the journal. See it is useful just like a good friend."

Sunset glared at the alicorn.

"Breath in... breath out... breath... in.... and... out..."

Focusing on Twilight's calming words the unicorn slowly regained her composure.

"You're right Twi... I am sorry."

"Its fine Sunset. I have noticed you have been more irritable as of late. You don't eat much, and you are not sleeping properly. Are You feeling alright?

"Besides vomiting in the morning after I eat anything green, I'm fine."

"Are you hungry right now?"

"No!" Sunset replied.

Grumble Sunset, betrayed by her stomach, blushed.

"Uh huh!" Twilight replied.

"All right I have been craving red meat for a while, but I didn't want to frighten you by giving you the impression I wanted to eat you... I mean you do look tasty right now," said Sunset.

"That is a little disturbing, but after you have lived in the human world for a few years I would expect that your diet would change to match that way of life. Let me tell you a little secret... just don't tell Fluttershy. Sometimes when I visit you on Earth, I have a cheeseburger or two."

"Twilight you eat meat?" asked Sunset, her mouth filling with saliva.

"Oh, look at the time. Let us not get distracted. I do believe you have a bath to take."

"I was hoping you would forget about that," mumbled Sunset.

"Don't worry. While you do that, I will have Spike cook you something edible while I have Starlight bring a doctor."

"A doctor? Twilight are you feeling all right? Your smile is scaring me"

"I just have a hunch."

"Would you care to elaborate?"

"Not until it is proven correct. Now leave. I believe you have a bath to take."

Sunset paused to speak but was interrupted by Twilight using her royal voice. "No excuses! I will investigate the journal. Now go!"

********************

With all her tasks taken care of Twilight sat down if front of the journal.

Flurry Heart, honey is that really you? If so, please tell me how this is possible. I only saw you a week ago and you were happily pooping your diapers. Also if Shadow is present how is he doing. P.S. please refrain from provoking Sunset Shimmer. She is very volatile at the moment and I really love my castle and I don't want it turned into molten slag.

Twilight Sparkle

Many hours went by before a response came.

I can't believe I am writing to another Twilight! Let me alleviate your worries. For starters I am sorry Flurry wrote that message. She got very emotional reading it. After what Shadow said of Sunset, I can relate. The way Flurry reacted though was on a whole new level than I have ever seen. I have seen things explode when she gets emotional, but this was different. There was a burning passion about her, almost like she cares for Shadow. While this was happening, I noticed a red thread that appeared connecting Flurry to Shadow. Besides being an emotional wreck, your friend appears to be alright physically. Flurry took him to get some food and hopefully raise his spirits.

Twinkle Sparkle

"For the love of Celestia! This isn't going to end well... my poor castle."

Twilight calmed her nerves and studied the neatly written message.

Well that is reassuring as well as demoralizing at the same time, but that aside I must know. Who are you Twinkle and how do you know Flurry Heart?

Another hour goes by before a return response.

Heh! One question at a time. I am relieved that even in other dimensions you remain the same. I don't know how much I should reveal but, in this timeline, I am your daughter. Flurry Heart is my older cousin. Before you start hyper ventilating, she is the daughter of Uncle Shining Armor and Aunt Cadance. To prevent any time irregularities, it is best that I don't delve any further into my life. Just know that I love you, Mom. I have read through the journal and I have gathered up all the glass spider fragments that arrived with this journal and Shadow. I will research this from my end so don't fret I will be in touch.

Forever Yours Twinkle Sparkle

Twilight's eyes watered with pride at the words of the daughter she hasn't had.

"At least I know one version of me has a future," thought Twilight with smile.

********************

Crystal Empire, Alternate Future

"Ira please let my fly I can find the target faster from the sky. Plus, it will help get the blood flowing to my wings, because right now I can't feel my feathers."

"Will you just shut up for two minutes Aubree. Your whine isn't helping me find the target."

"Is that what you're calling this frozen game of hide and seek?" muttered Aurora Breeze.

"I am trying to be stealthy."

"Oh, bull shit! This is just like that time when we were looking for your missing art supplies. You loved playing detective so much; you named the incident the Great Kitten Mysteries. Now that I think about it you really are obsessed with kittens."

"AUBREE!" growled Iridescent Dusk.

"Halt who goes there?" shouted one of the guards rushing over the sisters hiding place.

Ira activated her ghosting while Aubree took to the sky.

"That feather brained instigated me enough to arouse the guards so she could fly."

The guards investigated the area but found no sign of the intruders. "It must have been that darn cat again."

Iridescent Dusk released her magic, becoming visible. Leaning against the wall Ira started to breath heavily as her eyes began to shut. "Damn, I've overextended my powers."

Ira's eyes shot open when the sound of hooves landing on the ground startled her.

"Ira now isn't the time to sleep."

"Aubree! The guards will come back for sure. With this cold weather I don't have the strength to keep up my ghosting for long."

"Those two fools won't be an issue."

"Do I even want to know?"

"No, it involves you insulting me."

"Aubree the guards wouldn't have been an issue had you just listened," chided Ira.

"Then I wouldn't have found the target."

"Why didn't you say so before?"

"You never asked, and you were too busy sleeping and being useless," retorted Aurora Breeze with a wicked grin.

"Grrrrr!" growled Ira as she reached out to Aubree as if to choke her.

"Curb your temper dear sister and think of kittens," Teased Aurora.

"Just take me to the target," muttered Ira, rubbing her temples in frustration.

Aurbree led the way to a small establishment. The old metal sign hanging from the building read The Golden Rainbow Pub. Iridescent sighed when she saw the sign.

"Is the target really in here or do you just want a pint of spiced cider? I don't have any more patience for your pranks."

"Yes... all the above," said Aubree giggling in embarrassment.

Irritated Ira pushed past her sister, entering the establishment.

The two sisters located their target and sat at a nearby booth.

"Ira did you see who he is with?"

"I don't care but you are going to tell me anyways."

"It's Princess Flurry Heart," squeed Aubree, gleefully.

Ira's eyes widened at her sister’s words. When Aubree glanced her way, Ira composed herself. "It doesn't matter if your idle is here or not. Now isn't the right time to meet her."

"Yes, it does Ira... now is the perfect TIME!" said Aurora slamming her hooves on the table and glaring at her sister with determination.

"Fine Aubree, do what you want."

Aubree looked to her sister with a sad smile and mouthed "thank you."

Ira just turned her head away from Aurora.

"Soon he dies..."

...Storm!

Author's Note

Wow 3 chapters done in a week a new record. Here is 15 enjoy.

...Storm!

Crystal Empire, Alternate Future

Flurry led shadow to a corner booth away from all the other pub patrons and sat down. Shadow took a moment to study the room with worried eyes.

"This is my own private booth no pony will bother us here or harm you so sit down," said Flurry.

Cautiously Shadow sat across from the alicorn.

"Why are you doing this princess?"

"Wow you really do have trust issues..." said Flurry with a sad undertone.

"Not many people give me a good enough reason to trust them. It also prevents being used and then discard like trash. When someone does something nice there is an ulterior motive. So what is your game? Princess!"

"Just Flurry please. There is no hidden agenda. I am no princess. Only the citizens of Equestria refer to me as royalty."

"You’re not a princess? Weren't you born into royalty? Your life is the definition of royalty.

"You sound like my mother."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

Flurry, detecting no malice in Shadow's expression, thought for a moment before answering.

"I suppose not but she expects me to ascend the throne after her and my father."

"If that is all you have to worry about princess then your life isn't so complicated. I wish I had your life," replied Shadow with a bit of venom.

Flurry glared at the stallion. "You think my life is easy? Have you ever had your life chosen for you? All everypony ever tells me is that it is my destiny to rule. That I was fated to be born an alicorn. Do you even know what being an alicorn royal entails? No, you don't. So, let me just tell you to save you to the embarrassment. Yes, I am the daughter of royalty but in order to truly become a ruler of Equestria I will have to undergo the final coronation," said Flurry venomously.

"So, you're upset you get a party? I fail to see how that is a bad thing. You will need more than a rite of passage to convince me of your plight," interrupted Shadow.

"Listen here, Snart for brains it isn't a party... Well it is but it is more complicated than that."

"Sorry for interrupting please continue," said Shadow with feigned enthusiasm.

Flurry stared at the stallion skeptically. "Are you sure you want to know?"

Shadow answered with a nod of his head.

"Instead of food I get stuck listening to a whiny princess... just my luck," thought Shadow.

"Where was I?"

"Coronation," replied Shadow.

"Ah yes... that. The coronation ceremony imbues the ruler with longevity and after being crowned you are devoted to Equestria body and soul."

"Wait what? You mean immortality?" asked Shadow intrigued.

"Not completely immortal the rulers can still be killed but they pretty much stop aging."

"How old are the current rulers?"

"Celestia and Luna are over one thousand years old."

"For being over a century old they were pretty weak," muttered Shadow.

"What was that?" asked Flurry.

"Oh... I said define body and soul," replied Shadow changing the subject.

"The rulers are eternally bound by magic. Their subjects and land come before their own needs and wants," said Flurry with a sad expression.

"I still fail to see how that is bad," replied Shadow with a soft voice.

"Just think for a moment and let what I said sink in."

Shadow thought a moment. "So you outlive everyone else."

"Sigh you really don't get it do you," said Flurry with tear stained eyes.

"Logically speaking I fail to to the down side to all of this."

Flurry turned away, choking back her tears.

Out of the blue Shadow heard the chime of Trixie's voice mentioning friends. He clear his thoughts and gazed deeply into her blue pools. "You're right I don't... I don't understand. I have... never been good at understanding others... So tell... Please enlighten me so that I can understand... I want to know."

Flurry felt a surge of warmth at the unicorn's akward sincerity and spoke. "The best example is my Aunt Twilight and my mother Princess Cadance. My mother has undergone the coronation ritual. Even though she has a family, she must devote most of that time to Equestria. I do get to spend time with her... but that time is usually short. My father will eventually grow old and die long before my mother. Unless something happens to her, she will not age much past what she looks like now. Maybe taller with a bit of flowing hair. Aunt Twilight is also married and has Twinkle. She has not undergone the ritual, so she isn't bound by time or magic. If she stays that way, she will grow old with my uncle and eventually die."

"Cadance lives a long life existing for her people while he family comes after. While Twilight has more time to devote to her family," replied Shadow.

"Yes."

"You don't want to inherit your mother's kingdom. So, you would rather live a mortal life like your aunt? I sense there is more to it."

Flurry silently nodded her head before continuing.

"Just because I was born into royalty doesn't make me a ruler. I am no leader... I am a selfish mare. I want to choose my own path in life. To fall in love and devote my life to my family and not a whole nation... I don't want to endure the eternal heart ache with losing everything I hold dear... and then one day...

"One day; what?"

"Snap..."

"You seem like a pretty level headed person," said Shadow.

"Thats not true. There has always been something primal surging through my being. I have been able to keep it in check except under emotional duress. When I snap something always breaks... Always! Celestia always says being born an alicorn means being fated to rule... Always be alone."

"I believe I understand you a bit more. On a logical stand point. On an emotional level I can't say that I undestand... Not after Sunset... ... From my interactions with Celestia though, I wouldn't take her words to heart. She is just a stuck-up bitch, who thinks she is always right."

Flurry quietly giggled at his words. "I am guessing you don't have a good relationship with Celestia?"

"Umm... So, you don't believe in fate?" said Shadow quickly changing the subject.

Flurry receiving her answer just smiled and replied "Not at first..."

"That is just a fancy but, you need elaborate."

"I do, do I? Just like how you diverts my question."

"What? Paha! I would never..."

The alicorn relished at Shadow's discomfort for a moment before replying. "Please don't misconstrue what I am about to say."

Shadow suspicious, silently nodded.

"I never believed in fate until you held me hostage."

"You lost me," said Shadow, head cocked like a confused child.

Flurry released a melodic laugh at Shadow's reaction.

"I fail to see how that is funny."

"It's the hostage part that changed my mind... it was the connection that we shared when you physically touched me."

"I have no idea what you are talking about," said Shadow turning away from Flurry's intense blue eyes and blushing.

"Don't play coy. I know you felt the same thing."

"You must have hit your head during the vortex incident."

"Perhaps you're right but if that was the case then explain the red thread that binds us."

Shadow thought back to that time on the astral plane when he followed the red tread to Sunset. "Red thread... you have seen them?"

"Them? I have only seen the one that connects us."

"I have seen them before, but I have no idea what they entail" said Shadow.

"I read about it in a book titled Threads and Connections. From what I understand is that the thread is referred to as the red thread of fate. The ancients believe that every living creature has a red thread and that it binds us with our loved ones but there is a deeper meaning for the bright crimson strands..." Flurry trailed off as a blush entered her cheeks.

"You can't stop there."

Before Flurry could continue a cloaked yellow unicorn with a blue mane sat next to Shadow across from the princess.

"Good evening! I am Aurora Breeze. First just let me say it is an honor to personally meet you Princess Flurry Heart. I don't mean to intrude on your date, but I couldn't help but overhear you talking about fate."

....................

The waiter made his rounds taking orders when finally, he stopped at the sister's table.

"What can I get for you little ladies tonight?"

"I will have the spice cider and the grump will have a water," said Aurora.

"Aubr... e... e..." hissed Iridescent.

"Oh, sorry Grumpy will have the spiced cider as well."

"Two spiced ciders coming right up," said the waiter turning away.

"Really, Aubree?"

"What now? You don't want the spiced cider?" said Aubree ignoring her sister.

"Did you forget, why we are here?"

"Oh, will you just relax I am just yanking your tail. Sheesh your no fun anymore. Whatever happened to that kitten loving dork I used to know and love?"

"She died," said Ira bluntly.

"Well I cast resurrection and summon old Iridescent Dusk."

"Cut it out Aubree and help me think of a plan."

"Really Ira is that all? I have a better idea."

"What, lame prank have you cooked up now?"

With a mischievous smile Aurora Breeze stood up and cantered over to the target's table.

"What the hell Aubree?"

********************

"I don't mean to be blunt, but do you mind. This is an A and B conversation. Not an A, B, and C one."

"Oh sorry. please let me remedy that. Hey Ira, come on over," shouted Aurora innocently waving to her sister.

Iridescent Dusk grumbled with irritation. "She dies before him."

To save on anymore embarrassment Ira joined the other three ponies at Flurry's table.

"See I fixed it now it is an A, B, C, and D conversation," said Aubree cheerfully.

"No interruptions... princess," said Shadow chiding Flurry.

"Sorry I have no idea who these two are."

"Let me reintroduce myself I am Aurora Breeze, but you may call me Aubree and the gloomy emo pony is my sister Iridescent Dusk, but she prefers Ira.

"I am not emo, Aubree you air head," said Ira.

"Tomato, potato," replied Aurora whimsically.

"That's not how the saying goes," shouted Shadow and Ira in unison.

Flurry looked at the two with a shocked expression. "Are you two related?"

Shadow looked to Iridescent as she mirrored the stallion. "Pure coincidence," replied the unicorns at the same time.

"Wow looks like Ira isn't the only emo pony around here. So, who might you be Gloomy Gus?"

asked Aubree.

"Shadow Lulamoon."

Aurora's friendly expression changed, taken by fear. "Lulamoon..."

Aubree paused mid-sentence as she felt the heat of Ira's wrathful glare.

"Oops silly me I seemed to have forgotten. Well it is getting late and Ira needs her sleep, or she gets really cranky. Till next time," said Aurora quickly getting up from the table followed by her sister.

The waiter stopped in front of the sisters to hand them their drinks. "Young ladies your spiced cider?"

"I'm sorry good sir but just give them to our friends over there. The princess has the tab," said Aubree with a wink as she exited the establishment.

********************

"What does emo mean?" asked Flurry.

"In my world it means dark and brooding."

"So, there is a term that describes you," chuckled Flurry.

"Don't go there, princess."

"Coming from an emo pony like you just sounds, condescending."

""Fine... Flurry."

Flurry Heart smiled triumphantly.

"Those two were weird," said Shadow.

" I don't know who is worse Aubree or Pinkie Pie."

"Just thinking about Pinkie gives me a migraine," replied Shadow.

"Either way I don't think running into them was a coincidence," said Flurry.

"What I thought you and Aubree were close friends," Teased Shadow.

"That mare is sketchier than Zany. I would never be friends with her."

"I don't know... The way she scrunches her nose reminds me of you," said Shadow with a smile.

Flurry studied her companion and said, "a smile looks better on you than a scowl."

********************

"Aurora Breeze what were you thinking," shouted Ira.

"Now we are on a full name basis Iridescent Dusk?"

"You're not getting away with changing the subject this time. You could have blown our cover."

"I didn't and you're welcome," replied Aubree, coarsely.

"Answer the question Aubree," spat Ira as a green aura flashed in her eyes.

"You asked for action, so I gave you action."

"I said we need a plan not for you to be reckless!"

"I don't know why you are always so angry. We learn some information; you got a good profile of the target and I got to see Flurry Heart. It was a win for us," shouted Aubree with sad eyes.

"That wasn't a win Aubree. You dropped your acting when you heard the name Lulamoon."

"Now that you mention it, the demon spider from the story was name something, Lulamoon. I don't think our aunts told us everything."

"I could have told you that," spat Ira.

"Wait you knew and didn't tell me?" replied Aubree with a raised voice.

"Damn you figured me out."

"Don't you play coy with me Iridescent Dusk. We promised no more secrets."

"I wouldn't have to keep secrets if you weren't so unreliable and weak."

"Is that really what you think of me Ira?" asked Aubree, tears frozen to her cheeks.

"On occasions like tonight, I do."

"At least I did something unlike you, who can't even make a choice to save or take a life," growled Aubree.

"CHARGING HEAD LONG INTO A PROBLEM IS GOING TO GET US KILLED AUBREE."

"NO IRA TAKING AN ETERNITY TO MAKE A DECISION IS GOING TO GET US KILLED."

"EVERY CHOICE YOU MAKE HAS CONSEQUENCES AUBREE. YOU NEVER PREPARE. THERE IS TO MUCH AT STAKE TO BE PLAYING GAMES."

"DON'T YOU DARE LECTURE ME. I KNOW WHAT IS AT STAKE AND I WILL TAKE EVERY ACTION I CAN TO SECURE MY FUTURE," screamed Aubree as her wings unfolded knocking away her cloak.

"Aubree, your wings."

"I don't care!" Came the blank response as Aurora's horn glowed blue. The air surrounding the sisters dropped a few degrees and as Ira's teeth began to chatter the temperature dropped even lower. Iridescent Dusk caught a glimpse of a red strand as it vanished into the aether. An icy blue mist replaced the alicorn's tears as it billowed out into the snow-covered street. The clear night sky filled with storm clouds as the bitter northern winds picked up, whipping snow and ice around. The dark violet unicorn had heard the stories of her sister losing control, but she always shrugged them off as fiction. Witnessing Aubree's rage firsthand frightened Ira to her core.

"Aubree, I'm sorry please stop this. I don't want to hurt you."

"You don't want to hurt me? And you call me the weak one!" said Aurora with an echoing, otherworldly voice.

Ira's horn glowed a soft green as she vanished from site.

"Oh, Ira dear how quaint. You used your invisibility. Oops sorry you’re not powerful enough to do that. No matter you can't hide forever. Sooner or later you will slip up and when you do it’s all over."

Ira hid in the shadows trying to think up a plan. "This is impossible. even at her strongest, Aubree doesn't have this much power. Her aura has turned ethereal. I wish I could remember what we were called as kids... daughters... fates... something."

"Ira, I see your outline in the snow."

"Damn it!"

Large pointy Icicles flew from the tip of Aurora's horn targeting Ira.

The unicorn ducked as two icicles passed millimeters from her head crashing through a window. "That was close."

Aubree gazed through the snow spotting her sister's outline. The ethereal alicorn stomped her right hoof, freezing the ground for miles.

Ira cried out in panic as a sheet of ice appeared beneath her. She slipped, lost her balance, and skidded into a stone wall. Before she could act Ira felt the sting of bitter cold as three icicles bit into her flesh pinning her to the frozen ground.

********************

Several Shards of Ice crashed through the pub window, striking the wall next to Shadow like darts.

Shadow felt the subtle shift in the aetheric plane as a power surged outside. Flurry feeling the same thing looked to her companion. "Do you feel that."

"Yea I do, it's coming from outside."

"I need to check and see what's going on," said Flurry galloping to the door.

Shadow followed close behind. "You’re not going alone."

The couple rushed out the door into the swirling snowstorm. Flurry stared in wide eyed bewilderment at the ethereal alicorn standing in the middle of the storm.

"What in Celestia's name is that?"

"That would be a nightmare."

"A nightmare? How is a dream here Shadow?"

"Not that kind of nightmare. This type of nightmare is an ethereal entity that manifests with emotions. In my experience, anger."

"I don't understand everything, but I don't believe now is the time for a lecture," said Flurry.

Shadow nodded his head in agreement as he watched the icy nightmare cast icicle spikes at something that he couldn't see. All the sudden the ground glazed over with ice causing Shadow and Flurry to lose their balance and slip. Shadow watched as the unicorn Iridescent dusk appeared out of thin air and slide into a wall. Time seemed to come to a standstill as Ira was pierced by three icicles. Fire danced in Shadow's eyes as he was forced to relive Sunset's tragedy. Tears froze to his cheeks as purple flames erupted around him.

Flurry Heart backed away in awe at her companion's sudden transformation.

Feeling the strong aura, Aubree turned her focus towards the flaming Unicorn. "So, you have come to join Ira in death, so be it."

"Aubree you are out of control. Stop this now before you can't come back," boomed Shadow's ethereal voice.

"Why would I want to go back to being weak and helpless when I have all of this power," roared Aubree.

"I guess we fight," said Shadow.

"Finally, a kindred spirit" replied Aurora as she charged at Shadow.

Nightmares!

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay the new chapter is now up. Things look rather grim for everypony. Enjoy.

Nightmares!

The snow filled sky crackled with otherworldly energy. Time came to a standstill for Flurry Heart as she watched Shadow's transformation with rapt attention. Her curiosity piqued when two red strands appeared connecting Shadow to Ira and Aubree. A third thread appeared as purple flames danced around Shadow. The new strand rose into the sky disappearing out of sight.

"That strand is crimson. Does that me he has a soulmate?" thought Flurry.

With each pulse of the purple flames Flurry Heart felt more energized. The pink alicorn dropped her ears in pain when Shadow's ethereal voice echoed loudly as he tried reasoning with Aubree. Aurora Breeze lost in her throws of power, was currently unreachable.

Aubree attacked first as she took flight. Ice shards rained down upon Shadow. The nightmare unicorn dodged to the left as most of the shards impacted on the frozen street. The few remaining icicles sizzled and melted as they struck Shadow leaving a few bruises. The stallion hissed in pain from the cold bite of the ice.

Aurora flew around launching more ice from her vantage point while Shadow evaded and thought up a plan. The nightmare Alicorn tried and failed to freeze the ground as Shadow's fiery footfalls melted it.

"Damn it! I need to think of something... before either of us uses to much astral essence and dies." Shadow surveying his surroundings spotted a wagon with crates parked in a side alley. "If I can bring her down to my level, I can end this." Shadow remembered what Sunset Shimmer had said about levitation and slowed his breathing. Feeling his internal flow of magic Shadow willed the contents of the wagon to float. A purple aura appeared around the crates as they lifted into the air. The nightmare unicorn wrenched his horn in the direction of Aubree. Three wooden boxes soared towards the flying alicorn. Not stopping Shadow leapt into the wagon and lifted it with his levitation. With a burst of magic, the wagon riding unicorn flew through the snowy sky towards Aurora Breeze.

Aubree flew to the right dodging the crates. Solely focused on the crates Aurora didn't see the wagon until it was right on top of her. Acting on instinct Aubree released an energy blast from her glowing ice blue horn. Shadow jumped just as the magic hit. The wagon splintered into millions of sharp wooden shards. The smallest slivers turned to harmless ash while the larger pieces caught fire as they contacted Shadow's flames. Shadow crashed into the nightmare alicorn followed by the burning projectiles. Flaming shrapnel pierced flesh causing minor burns and open wounds. Dislodged from the swirling snowstorm the pair of nightmares smashed through an upper story window. Tiny shards of glass glinted in the glow of flames as they joined the crystalline snow on the ground. Smoke started to billow out of the top story of the house as fire licked up the wooden sides of the building like a lit matchstick. Flurry heard several screams from inside as a family of four ran out of the burning building.

Astral essence drained from several open wounds on Aubree's body. Her once bright yellow coat was burned and scorched. The alicorn wobbled on shaking legs as she stood. Aurora's left wing bruised but still functioning was folded up against her body while he right wing hung broken and limp, dragging across the floor. Aubree's vision focused on Shadow as she stared daggers at the unicorn. "You are more resourceful and harder to kill than your eldest gave you credit for," said Aubree seething with rage.

********************

Flurry watched with horror as the fight between the two nightmares began. The pink alicorn had to dodge and take cover as ice exploded around her. Shadow galloped through the streets weaving to and fro. The stallion, concentrating on not becoming the next ice skewered pony was oblivious to the landscape around himself. Anywhere Shadow's hooves stepped the ground burned. Within moments of the battle the streets were aglow with dancing flames that refracted blue, purple and fuchsia through the frozen city. Flurry Heart hearing the noise of broken glass followed by the screams of the home's residents, ran to the aid of the civilians. The alicorn princess guided the frightened family a safe distance away before releasing a magical signal from her horn that represented a cry for help. The yellow ball exploded like a firework display with a loud boom. "Now I need to see what I can do here until assistance arrives." Flurry looked around with sadness as she watched her city begin to burn.

********************

Shadow felt the sting of pain as splinters of wood and glass bit into his astral body. The unicorn heard the shattering of glass and felt the hard surface of a floor as he landed and rolled into a wall. Shadow shook the daze from head as his blurry vision cleared. "I guess that wasn't the most thought out plan," muttered Shadow as he weakly regained his footing. The stallion crouched in a more defensive posture as the still form of his opponent stood up. Aubree taking the brunt of the damage from their collision was a mangled mess. Shadow stared at the young mare in utter amazement. "With all of her wounds and loss of essence, how is she still functioning?" complained Shadow as Aubree stood there with a wicked smile plastered on her face. The alicorn's horn glowed blue, indicating to Shadow that a spell was coming. Shadow leapt into action shrugging off the pain of his essence leaking wounds. A dozen or so icicles struck the floor where the stallion stood just a moment before. The unicorn weaved left and right trying to confuse his enemy as her rushed towards her.

********************

Aurora breeze felt a wave of panic wash over her as Shadow got closer. Switching her spell from offensive to defensive Aubree erected a force shield.

Sensing the change in the flow of magic Shadow focused his flames towards the front of his charge as he collided with his opponent's shield. The barrier glowed a molten red for a second before the unicorn sliced through it. Aubree released a blood curdling scream as a searing pain scorched her left flank. The young mare's cry cut Shadow to his core. All the stallion wanted to do at this point was to protect her, not let any more harm come to her. "I need to finish this now... before either of us dies," thought Shadow.

Rage and desperation filled Aurora as she charged up her magic. Shadow's brief pause was all the opening the alicorn needed as she released a powerful shock wave that blasted Shadow through the wall into the street. The concussive force toppled the building on top of Aubree. Debris rained down upon Aurora burying her in an avalanche of wood and stone.

********************

Flurry Heart heard Aubree's wail of pain and stopped what she was doing. Flurry was filled with a need to protect the yellow alicorn as she turned and galloped in the direction of Aurora. The princess reared back as Shadow exploded from the wall on her right. The stallion hit the ground with a thud, bounced twice before hitting the wall across the street. Nightmare flames extinguished; Shadow futility attempted to stand up but slipped on a patch of ice as the burning building buried Aubree.

Flurry screamed in anguish as Aurora vanished beneath the rubble. Flurry was torn between digging out Aubree or assisting Shadow. "Why is this choice so difficult? I don't even know anything about Aubree... While me and Shadow have a special bond."

Flurry was wrenched from her thoughts as the debris pile shifted and fell away, revealing Aurora. The yellow alicorn glowed an eerie ice blue as astral essence poured out of her many wounds. "YOU FRACKING FOOL! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!" Shouted Aubree.

Aubree concentrated her remaining energy into one final spell as her yellow horn glowed brighter. Feeling the shift of magic once again Shadow tried to move but remained unsuccessful. "So, this is how I die," thought Shadow. A wave of calmness washed over the unicorn as he accepted his fate. "I deserve this!"

Aubree released her destructive spell.

Flurry Heart shouted, "AUBREE STOP!" as she took the discharged spell head on. The pink alicorn gazed down at Shadow with a saddened smile. "You damn fool! ... You're not allowed to give up yet... Your sister still remains... unsaved," whispered a tear-stricken Flurry Heart.

With her final words Flurry Heart collapsed to the ground.

"FLURRY HEART!"

Shadow's wail rang out across the frozen landscape. Filled with a surge of borrowed power from Flurry, Shadow stood. Yellow lightning flowed around him like a thunderstorm as tiny bolts of electricity danced in his eyes. The Unicorn unknowingly released a raw blast of yellow lightning. The electricity exploded forth leveling three empty buildings as it searches for its' intended target.

********************

Aurora Breeze watched helplessly as Flurry Heart collapsed, charred and injured.

Aubree snapped back to her senses as she released an anguished cry, "NOOOOOOO! What have I done?"

Before the yellow alicorn could react a blast of lightening hit her. Aubree flew several feet through the air, landing in a smoking heap among the frozen cobblestone.

********************

Twinkle Sparkle startled by a loud explosion fell out her chair. Rushing towards the library window Twinkle and Zany watched with horror as magic and fire engulfed the city.

"Isn't that where Flurry took Shadow?" asked Zany looking to his girlfriend.

Twinkle, noticing the yellow signal spell nodded and said, "Flurry needs our help."

The young couple galloped out of the library.

********************

Twinkle and Zany ran through the frozen ruined streets passed burning buildings and scattered debris. The area was empty of life until the couple's gaze fell upon the area of destruction with abject horror. Three still forms lie strewn in the rubble Twinkle's cousin Flurry, among them. Shadow electrically charged stood over them.

"By Celestia's beard what happened here?" said Zany.

"Shadow step Away from Flurry Heart!" shouted a tear-stricken Twinkle.

"I can't do that," replied Shadow with a sad expression as astral essence flowed out of him, into the three unconscious ponies.

"You will pay for this... monster!" growled Zany preparing to cast his chaotic magic.

"Wait a moment... he isn't attacking them. He appears to be sustaining them with astral energy," said Twinkle, halting Zany with her right hoof.

"I don't understand bookworm speech, Twinkle Toes," muttered Zany.

Twinkle rolled her eyes in frustration.

"The blue wisps of energy that are leaving Shadow are astral essence. The transfer of energy is keeping them alive," said Twinkle.

"Well it's a good thing you stopped me," said Zany.

********************

Shadow looked to the young couple with pleading eyes and said, "I have reached my limit... I leave the rest to you."

The unicorn's form became transparent, fading away.

"Hold on," replied Twinkle casting a spell to hold Shadow's molecules together.

Stabilized, Shadow slumped to the frozen, drifting off, into a deep slumber.

"Zany we have to hurry and get them to the castle... before they die," said Twinkle.

********************

Twilight Sparkle's Castle

Over a month had passed in the present timeline since the communication journal had received a new message. By now most of Sunset's close pony friends knew about the pregnancy. Even if she wanted, the unicorn was unable to hide her visibly growing belly. Sunset paced across the library floor mumbling, "Why haven't we heard anything? Twinkle should have replied with a message by now."

"Sunset please settle down all of this stress isn't conducive to your health or the baby," said Twilight.

"I can't help it Twi."

"I have an idea," said Twilight.

"What is that?"

"I believe I may have deciphered the right formula and if my calculations are correct, which they usually are. I think we can travel to the alternate future and bring Shadow back."

"Really?" said a hopeful Sunset.

"Yep... but we will need some assistance from some other scientists."

"I can go back to the human world and get Human, Twilight and or Dr. Hooves," interjected Sunset.

"Great idea, but with you being pregnant I don't want you going through the portal. Who knows what the transformation will do to you or your unborn child. I will go in your place."

"Twi, you don't have to do that... We will be fine."

"Too much is at stake to gamble on chance. I am playing the princess card. You will remain in Equestria and speak with Dr. Hooves."

"Great now I am a dog on a fetch quest," muttered Sunset.

********************

Twilight Sparkle was working on making the portal mirror to allow access to the alternate future, where Shadow now resided. The lavender alicorn returned from the human world. Alternate, Twilight and Dr. Hooves followed shortly after to assist with the portal.

"Whoa!" Crash, bang, crack! Alternate Twilight exited the portal like a shot gun shell, slamming into a book shelf. Her glasses hit the ground with a clatter. Just as she was getting up her eccentric physics teacher landed on top of her, knocking Twilight bad to the ground.

"Wow! Multidimensional Travel, Fancy That."

"Ooof! You sure are heavy. Please get off," grumbled Twilight.

"Oh, sorry my dear... Ms. Sparkle is that you?" asked Doctor Hooves gawking at the pastel, talking unicorn in from of him.

"Yes! I am, Twilight Sparkle, from your physics class," replied SciTwi, feeling around for her glasses.

"What are you trying to do, Ms. Sparkle?"

"I'm trying to find my glasses so I can see... BUT SOME ONE HEAVY, WON'T GET OFF."

"Well I am sorry, but there is no need for you to be snippy, SciTwi."

"Grrrr! My name is not SciTwi!" Frustrated, Twilight groaned, slapping her forehead. "Why is he even here?"

"There is no pony better than The Doctor to help with dimension hopping. He is the leading most physicist, studying of parallel universes," interjected Princess Twilight.

"Try sitting through first period with him every day! A dung beetle would be more useful than him," mocked Twilight.

********************

The Twilights' with the help of Sunset Shimmer accomplished more by themselves than with the aid of the eccentric Doctors'. During one moment of annoyance and frustration the hormone induced Sunset shouted "THAT IS IT... IF I HAVE TO HERE ONE MORE FANCY THAT COMMENT SOMETHING IS GOING TO DIE!"

"Sunset you need to breath," replied Alternate Twilight, now a lavender unicorn.

"SciTwi is right. Sunset you are letting your pregnant, hormonal, induced, brain rule your logic," said Princess Twilight.

"Ugh... even here... My name isn't SciTwi," grumbled the unicorn.

"To be fair the name helps to determine us apart," said the alicorn.

"I am a purple unicorn without wings, unlike you!" scoffed SciTwi.

"True, but I think the nickname is endearing."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," pouted SciTwi.

"I am Princess of this castle... so the nickname stays."

"Why do you sound so condescending right now?" muttered Alternate Twi.

Sunset glaring at the pair, released a frustrated sigh and sternly raised her voice. "Guys I need you to focus. Twilight if you don't do something about the Doctors' I promise you I will burn them to a crisp."

"Alright... sheesh don't get your tail in tail in a knot," pouted SciTwi.

"What is that supposed to mean?" glared Sunset.

"You are mean when you're pregnant," said the unicorn, sheepishly.

"Do you think I asked to be pregnant?"

"You did cry over not being able to experience that vision... which led to you having that intimate encounter with Shadow," chided Princess Twilight.

Sunset turned her wrathful gaze to the alicorn. "No one asked you Princess!"

"I think I prefer raging she demon Sunset over pregnant Sunset," muttered the alicorn.

"Did you say something?" asked Sunset lowering her eyebrows.

"Ummm... I said we can take it from here. So why don't you go take a nap. When you return everything should be ready to go," said the princess.

Crash, clang, katunk! "Oops my bad!" "No that was my bad!" "Well fancy that!"

"REALLY!" Princess Twilight shouted.

Sunset gave the alicorn an, "I told you so" look.

"Go to bed already!" glowered Twilight.

"I am a bit tired... if you're sure? ... I don't want to leave you guys high and dry," said Sunset, her facial expression demurer.

"We got this," said the two purple ponies in unison.

Sunset took one final look at the creepy, smiling ponies. Nodding her head, the pregnant unicorn cantered out of the library.

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 1

Author's Note

It is time for DisneyFanatic23's original characters Twinkle Sparkle and Zany to step up to the plate I hope I do them justice to their established lore on this website 😄

Ps I know I said I wouldn't rehash my short stories in the main one but it was relevant here so I skimmed the key points here. Please go check them out if you haven't already. As always please enjoy.

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 1

Crystal Empire, Alternate Future

Twinkle Sparkle leaned into Zany for comfort as they sat beside the resting form of Flurry Heart.

"Physically Flurry is healed but... I am worried that she may not wake up," said Twinkle choking back a sob.

"Hey, don’t worry Twinkle Toes. We can never be so lucky for her to stay unconscious. In no time Flutter Nutter will be back to her old annoying self," said Zany with an impish smirk.

"Be nice," replied Twinkle with a quiet laugh as she gently tapped her boyfriend on the head.

"That was me being nice," said Zany with faux sadness.

Twinkle slowly shook her head from left to right at his childlike antics. "I love you Zany."

The half-draconoquus paused dramatically feigning surprise. "What? ... When did you have these feelings. I don't know how to reply." Zany raised his right hoof to his forehead leaning back. "What am I to do."

"Come on be serious for once in your life," chided Twinkle.

"Alright you win... So, what brought this on suddenly? This is by far the least romantic spot for making out."

"I don't know... but I have a feeling that the destruction we witnessed last week is only the beginning... and I wanted to make sure no matter how bad things may get; I have your back."

"Don't worry Twinkle Toes. We have been through much worse than this. I am sure a few unconscious ponies and a destroyed city block don't foretell the end of the world."

"That isn't what has me worried..."

"Don't keep me in suspense, do telllllll," said Zany adding emphasis on his L sound.

"Do you remember the journal we found with Shadow?"

You mean the one that you were writing to your mother in a different time?"

"Correct."

What about it Twinkle Toes?"

"I have been helping past Twilight with research on Grishadria."

"Never heard the name before," stated Zany.

"Unless you read ancient lore older than Celestia and Luna I doubt many ponies do. The data I have collected terrifies me beyond the capacity for rational thinking."

"I can't believe I am about to say this... but take a deep breath and tell me about... that name."

"Grishadria is an entity that dwells on the edge of time and space. Our ancestors of old feared her and worshiped her as a goddess. Every ten years when the planets aligned with the moon, she would cross the barriers of existence and consume the souls of the living. This massive scale of consumption caused an imbalance in the universe. Every time she fed; life had a harder time returning. On one such occasion Arch Mage Garran Silverhoof the elder of the current civilization confronted Grishadria and permanently banished her from our reality."

"If the old lady can't return then what is there to worry about? " asked Zany with a shrug.

"It gets much worse than that. After the fall of Garran's empire, a cult of ponies believed that pony kind was too sick to exist and started doing ritual sacrifices to Grishadria. Later, scholars uncovered an old spell book that could summon the Demon Grishadria. The spell required a fresh sacrifice as well as a living host," said Twinkle with a quiet voice that sent shivers up Zany's spine.

"Is that it?" replied Zany swallowing.

"That is everything I was able to learn from the library here. Twilight and Starswirl have filled in most of the important details."

"So how is all of that relevant to what happened in the city last week Twinkle Toes?"

"Not much..."

"I sense a but" replied Zany.

"Starswirl the Bearded came across that spell book during his travels. Not wanting to destroy a precious artifact he stored it away."

"Typical crazy wizard," chided Zany.

Ignoring the half-breed Twinkle continued. "Everything was fine for a time until Starswirl's friend Stella..."

"I am guessing Stella is the key to all of this."

"Not quite my love."

"Ugh! Will you stop talking in riddles and get to the point already," groaned Zany.

"Stella became the living host and killed her husband in cold blood. When Starswirl found her, it was too late. Stella had gone completely insane and was consumed by the demon but that isn't the only key factor. Starswirl rescued and raised Stella's daughter, Eventide."

"Oh, goody another name that I don't care about," scoffed Zany.

"You should... Eventide gave birth to a set of twins. Shadow and Trixie Lulamoon," replied Twinkle with a serious expression.

"Wait isn't Trixie's mother Queen Crysalis of the changelings?"

"In our dimension yes... but as far as fate is concerned Trixie is Trixie no matter the mother, upbringing or dimension."

"I still don't understand how this relates to the devastation in the city."

"If you would stop interrupting me then you will," chided Twinkle.

"Fine continue your highness!"

"One-night Eventide and the twins vanished without a trace. Starswirl knows more but he said it is irrelevant. All that matters is that Stella and Eventide were gifted unicorns and astral manipulation is a natural talent that runs in their bloodline. Shadow has inherited this raw ability as well. Past Twilight witnessed Shadow transforming into a Nightmare. Down in the city I believe we caught the tail end of this transformation. The flow of astral essence that he used to keep Flurry and the other two ponies alive is called astral healing."

"Wow even my dad has trouble with astral manipulation" said Zany with a whistle.

"That isn't the end of the story."

Zany's jaw dropped like a cartoon. "Twinkle tell me your joking!"

"Sorry... this isn't a joke and it gets worse. When Starswirl founded the Six Pillars of Equestria they confronted Stella who had been perverted and mutated by Grishadria. During the final confrontation Starswirl had a change of heart and sealed Stella away in an obsidian glass spider. Somehow the spider ended up in the human world... which we already knew about from Shadow's story. I was helping past Twilight by studying the broken pieces of the spider."

"I remember those pointy Tartarus forsaken shards. I had one stuck to my butt... and by Celestia's beard did it hurt when I pulled it out."

"Zany, sweety that is too much information."

"Really... the bookworm who just spewed a mountain of words is complaining to me about too much information... sheesh."

"When it comes to your posterior, it is too much information."

"I thought you liked my posterior," pouted Zany.

"Usually... I do," replied Twinkle her cheeks turning flush.

Smiling at his tiny victory Zany surprised his girlfriend by leaning in and kissing her. The young alicorn blushing even more, closed her eyes and passionately returned the kiss.

********************

Shining Armor and Cadance entered the castle's medical wing to check on Flurry Heart. When the royal couple entered their daughter's room they were treated to a shocking scene. Zany the son of Discord, groping their niece Twinkle Sparkle.

"Ahem! There will be no more inappropriate conduct with my niece!" said Shining Armor, glaring at Zany.

"You weren't supposed to see that," replies the half-breed with a mischievous smile.

"Zany... don't antagonize my uncle... or I will never hear the end of it from my mom," growled Twinkle.

Candance quickly quelled the tension in the room.

"What happened in the city?" asked Cadance as her gaze fell upon Zany.

"why is it when something gets destroyed, I am always the first to get blamed?" said Zany, offended.

"Usually when something blows up you always seem to be somehow connected to it," replied Twinkle, trying not to sound condescending.

"Fair enough!" said Zany nonchalantly.

"THIS IS NO LAUGHING MATTER... FLURRY HEART WAS INJURED OUT THERE," roared the overprotective father.

Gently, Cadance placed her left hoof on her husband's shoulder. "Calm down my love. Zany uses humor to express his grief. He means no harm."

"If the little knave doesn't mean any harm then explain what he was doing to our niece," muttered Shining Armor reaching for a reason to throttle Zany.

"An intimate relationship by two consenting adults. Though I do suggest that our niece shows a bit of restraint so that her mother doesn't have a panic attack about becoming a grandmother at a young age."

"What if it was Flurry Heart?" asked Shining glaring at his wife.

"I never really thought about that. I suppose I would have the same understanding that I do now. Though she may be implosive I don't believe Flurry would jump into anything obscene."

"Yea... right..." muttered Shining Armor.

Twinkle blushed from embarrassment at her aunt's words. "Don't worry Aunt Cadance I will be more careful in the future."

"Good! Now can somepony please tell us why our daughter and three other ponies, one of which is an unknown alicorn, were brought to my castle in a near death state?"

"I'm sorry Aunt Cadance all we know is that Flurry went on a date with Shadow. Hours later we saw the royal signal spell for help and noticed the city was burning. When we reached Flurry, they were all unconscious."

"Come on Twinkle Toes we should leave so that they can be alone with Flurry."

Twinkle nodded in agreement.

When the young couple were in the hallway and out of earshot Zany spoke up. "I really am a bad influence. Why would did you lie to your aunt about what we saw?"

"I didn't lie... I just omitted out some details."

"Why though?"

"Time is already unstable and we can't afford to allow anypony else to find out."

"What about the unknown unicorn and alicorn?" asked Zany.

"I have a theory about that..."

"You lost me at theory... That is a discussion for another time," groaned Zany interrupting Twinkle.

********************

Astral Plane

Shadow groan as he slowly opened his eyes. "The astral plane again... Why do I keep waking up here?"

The unicorn's head spun as a wave of nausea washed over him. Shadow closed his eyes for several minutes until he didn't feel like passing out. Upon opening his eyes, a tangled red ball of ethereal thread floated in front of him. Shadow stared in wonder at the display. Last time the stallion the threads had been straight and smooth. "I wonder what would cause it to be so knotted?" The unicorn slowly reached out towards the ball and was quite surprised that he was able to touch it. Ever so gently Shadow began to untie the massive ball.

Starting with one of the two crimson strands first, Shadow's eyes turned a milky white as Sunset Shimmer's memories and the emotions attached to them flooded his mind. The memories were of his time with Sunset. Every one of them filled Shadow with joy and wonder as he saw and felt his and Sunset's interactions from her perspective. Finally, that dreaded moment arrived where she broke his heart. Shadow choked back a sob that was trying to break free. "I need to know why she did what she did. For as long as I have known Sunshim she has never said or done anything without a reason."

The unicorn pushed onwards as he watched the fight from Sunset's point of view. Shadow heard his own words of "I love you," echo in his head. A wave of fear washed over him as the memory of dying and being lost in total blackness crept in. Then there was his voice acting as a beacon of light in the darkness. Shadow woke to see himself smiling back. Then the memory flashed white as a blinding haze filled Shadow's vision. A pair of voices were mumbling in the background. One he recognized as Twilight Sparkle the other, he had never heard before. The words "Unable to have any children" caused Shadow's heart to tighten in his chest as he lived Sunset's pain and anguish.

The scene changed back to the fight as the words "I am broken", "you deserve better,” and "I can't give you a future," left his mouth. Seeing the expression on his own face through Sunset's eyes pushed Shadow over the edge. Tears cascaded from his eyes as they drenched the stars with sadness and longing.

"This whole time I thought she didn't care but... I never took the time to see her point of view."

Unbeknownst to Shadow the first crimson thread began to unravel on its own.

********************

The second crimson strand was just as emotionally draining. This one belonged to Flurry Heart. Shadow felt the alicorn's frustration at being treated as a child as well as an object to be used in the political games of her parents and Princess Celestia. A memory of Flurry's mother Cadance came to the forefront of Shadow's mind.

"Mother I refuse! I can't be what you want me to be!"

"Floopy dear you don't really have a choice you were born an alicorn princess of Equestria."

Shadow was filled with frustration that Cadance didn't understand Flurry's point of view.

"That is not true mother being an alicorn princess doesn't matter. Past actions speak louder than titles and I refuse to accept your finalities as truth. And stop calling me floopy dear! I am not a foal anymore mother."

Anger overflowed him as Shadow raised his voice at Cadance."

"Fine Flo....Let’s just hope your cousin's visit will help you improve." At this last part Shadow was overcome with guilt as Cadance dropped her head in defeat.

"I can kind of see where Flurry is coming from but... she still comes off as a spoiled princess. Why does she fight her mother over something so trivial?"

The unicorn's thoughts were answered as the next memory appeared. This vision showed Flurry's cousin Twinkle walking beside him.

"Listen Twinkle I will tell you the same as my mother! I refuse to sit on the throne!"

"Flurry you are an alicorn princess you were meant to rule the Crystal Empire."

"It doesn't matter I will not resign myself to that fate. Born an alicorn or not I am not a ruler and nor will I subjugate myself to the princess coronation."

"But that is the final step for an alicorn."

Of all the ponies in Equestria Shadow wondered why Twinkle wasn't siding with him.

"Is it really Twinkle."

"Yes, flurry it is."

"I bet aunt Twilee would say otherwise!"

"What does my mother have to do with this?"

"She gave up a life of immortality to be with Your father Flash Century."

"So, what flurry!"

"Think Twinkle you're supposed to be the smart one here!"

"I don't understand Flurry your mother is an alicorn princess and married to Uncle Shining Armor. What is the difference?"

"The difference dear cousin is as plain as day and night."

"Obviously not or I wouldn't be having this conversation with you."

Shadow was frustrated by Twinkles loss of understanding.

"Fine I will explain it so that your feeble mind can understand. My mother cadence had already undergone the final princess coronation before she married my father. Just like Celestia and Luna my mother will live for a long time if she so chooses. My father isn't so lucky eventually the tides of fate will separate my parents. Mom will live on while dad will not. Aunt Twilee refused the final princess coronation and then married your father. Now do you see the difference?"

"Wait so aunt Cadance will live on while both of my parents and uncle shining pass on?"

"That's right Twinkle!"

"I understand that part but what does this have to do with you flurry?"

"I had this same conversation with your mom when I was your age."

"You're not much older than me you drama queen."

"You may be right."

"Just get to the point Flurry!"

"It is better to live a single life with the ones you love than it is to live a thousand lifetimes alone. That is what aunt Twilee said to me at that time."

Shadow was filled with a mild giddiness as he watched Twinkle think about the words Flurry had just spoken.

"Would you do the final princess coronation if you had an immortal partner?"

"Are you going to give me Zany if I do?"

Shadow felt his lips turn up in a smile at twinkle's expression.

"Not for a thousand lifetimes he belongs to me."

"I am just kidding Twinkle. Even if I was presented with an immortal suitor, I wouldn't become an immortal."

"Fine cousin if you're not going to take over the throne then what will you do?"

Twinkle's expression turned to one of sadness but with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Live my life to the fullest, help where I can and leave the rest to fate!"

"Flurry you would leave me alone?"

"Listen little dream walker even after my physical form vanishes, I will always be with you, besides you have Squiggles."

Shadow felt another round of tears as her watched Twinkle's pained expression. When Shadow, as Flurry gently nuzzled the smaller alicorn the damn broke once again as little droplets pattered, causing tiny ripples in the void.

"So, this what she meant... I can't fault her for being selfish in this instance... I would rather die than live forever without the ones I loved."

Shadow thought about Sunset and how much he still loved her despite everything that happened.

"I would choose Sunshim over immortality."

The stallion couldn't help but admire Flurry's resolve even in the face of pain and anguish.

"Flurry sticks to her chosen path even when her heart is torn in half... Is it possible to love two different girls at the same time?" Shadow asked himself as he felt his bond with Flurry strengthen with each new breath.

"Is this what she meant by; the crimson thread represents your soulmate?"

The second thread untangles.

********************

The third and fourth threads were not as vibrant as the two crimsons strands but still stood over the rest. The two threads were entwined with each other spiraled together like a peppermint candy cane. Hesitant of the spiraled pair Shadow thought to himself "Am I ready for this?" Ever so slowly the unicorn reached out and touched the conjoined threads. Unlike the previous memories these visions were hazy and distorted. Shadow could make out what looked like a human woman with dark purple skin and short light blue hair with fuchsia highlights. In this memory Shadow was looking up at the woman and wondered whose memory this could be. Shadow was shocked when he heard his voice, that of a little girl.

"Aunty please tell us about mommy."

"Which one my darling?" asked the aunt.

Shadow couldn't quite place the aunt but for some reason the woman reminded him of someone.

"What is the point Aubree... there is nothing she can say or do that will bring them back!" said a human girl who was the same dark violet with prismatic hair as the unicorn called Ira.

"That’s not true Ira... they may still come back... They love us, right?... So, they just have to come back..." Shadow felt the biting sting of loneliness and longing as Aurora Breeze's words exited his mouth.

"YOU DOOFUS THEY ARE DEAD... NO AMOUNT OF HOPE CAN BRING PEAOPLE BACK FROM THE DEAD!" screamed Iridescent Dusk with tear-stricken eyes.

"Ira why do you have to be so cruel... you miss them just as much as me... if anyone here is the doofus it's you for keeping your feeling all bottled up."

"Grrr... Why am I stuck with a weakling like you for a sister?" growled Ira.

"If anyone is stuck it's me, with a bully like you!" shouted Shadow with Aubree's voice.

Shadow felt the intense pain of hair being uprooted from his scalp and the arguing turned to fighting and finally to hair pulling.

"Girls that is quite enough. As sisters you should not mistreat each other like that. One day when I am gone you two will only have each other to lean on in times of need. Neither one of you is a doofus and both oh so very special," said the aunt with a stern yet gentle voice and a sad expression.

"She has known loss but who or what? Is it the mothers or someone else?" wondered Shadow.

The image turned to a hazy misty, replaced by another. This time though Shadow was staring at a baby version of Aubree who still had her bright yellow skin with dark blue hair steaked with silver highlights. The aunt remained the same except for being a bit younger in age. "This must be Ira's memory," thought Shadow.

Shadow as Ira looked to the baby and then to the aunt, feeling sad and empty inside. Shadow felt this same pain during his father's funeral. The aunt picked up on the young girls’ woes from her troubled expression.

"Iridescent, honey what's wrong?"

"Mommy is dead and never coming back... isn't she?"

"I am not sure sweety... All I know is they love you very much and if... the matter they left to attend to wasn't so important they wouldn't have left you and Aubree in my care."

"I don't care about that other woman I just want my mommy."

"I know sweety. At least you have me and Aurora."

"That’s not enough!" pouted Ira.

"What you don't love us?" asked the aunt, pouty in return.

"I love you Aunty but not Aubree."

"Why is that honey?"

"All she does is puke, poop and cry. Do you think I can trade her away for my mommy?" said Shadow as Ira, scowling at the aunt.

"Ira she is just a baby that's what they do and no you can't trade your sister away. She is to special to just give away and so are you. I know what will make you feel better."

""What is that Aunty?"

Would you like to hear a little secret about Aubree?"

"I guess so..."

"Aubree loves you Ira."

"How can you tell? She just lays their drooling like a useless slime."

"Look carefully honey."

Shadow looked up at the aunt and then down at the baby wondering just like Ira what the frack this crazy woman was talking about. The Aunts smiling face betrayed no other emotion except for joy as she gazed at the infant. Intrigued Iridescent glanced down at her sister.

"Right there do you see it?" said the enthusiastic aunt.

Shadow and Ira must have a similar mind set because they were both thinking, "this lady is completely mental."

"No, I don't see it Aunty," replied Ira with a frustrated sigh.

"There she goes again."

"Oh, she went again," replied shadow as Ira, plugging her nose.

"So, it seems... but that wasn't what I was referring to. Do you see that smile?"

Ira glanced down one more time. The young girls gaze lingered on the smile for a moment and then settled on the infant's sapphire blue eyes. Aubree cooed, smiling up at Ira who in turn smiled back. Shadow felt not only Ira's feelings of love for her sister, but a deeper connection that bled into his core.

"You see Ira that smile is her way of saying that she loves you now and forever."

Shadow as Ira beamed with pride and joy because for the first time in her life, she knew she wasn't alone.

Like before the memory turned to mist and lingered as such for what seemed like hours. Just as Shadow thought "I can't handle any more of this," another memory phased in. Iridescent Dusk stood in front of Shadow this time though she was about the same age as he was give or take a year or so and dressed in tight fitting jeans with ripped knees and tight fitting black tee-shirt that depicted a knife stabbing a bleeding heart. The shirt was not long enough to cover her navel and it fit skin to her upper body, leaving nothing to the imagination. Shadow was surprised but not surprised, at the same time. "And I'm the emo one... please... Ira takes emo to a whole new level. At least she is covered up with that black leather jacket.” Shadow couldn't help but stare at the young woman as something eerily familiar reminded him of someone he knew but couldn't picture them do to being overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. Shadow released his gaze from Ira before heading to an object he recognized... the mirror portal at Canterlot High. The same one he and Sunset passed through to get to Equestria.

"This must be Aubrees's memory again," thought Shadow.

True to his thoughts, a voice called out from behind "Aubree we need to talk about your inappropriate actions with that boy."

"Oh, come on Aunty right now? ... You know Aunt Twilight is waiting for me on the other side."

"Don't worry Aubree I will be sure to let Twilight know that you have been a bad little slut," replied Ira with a wicked smirk.

"Your just jealous I had someone to love... and besides your one to talk emo girl. Your choice of fashion just screams hooker," sneered Aubree.

"Love! Hahahaha! That Snart for brains doesn't love you he is just using you to get into..."

"ENOUGH BOTH OF YOU! I DON'T HAVE TO LET YOU GO TO EQUESTRIA!" shouted the aunt.

"Don't threaten me with a good time. I don't really care for studying unicorn magic let alone the magic of friendship," replied Ira unphased at her aunt's threat.

"That's not the reason at all and you know it Ira," said Aubree with a smirk of her own.

"Fine doooo tell oh great and wise Aurora."

"You’re just pissed because you can't go completely invisible there and ponies know you unlike here where no one cares to notice you."

"That’s the way I prefer it," said Iridescent Dusk shrugging her shoulders.

"Plus, your kitten is.... muhphph...."

"If you open your mouth again Aubree, I will bury you," growled Ira, seething with wrath while placing her right hand over Aubree’s mouth.

"Fine... fine... I won't let Aunty know that you have a heart," said Aubree shoving her sister away.

"Aurora Breeze focus please. Now about that boy," said the stern aunt.

"Really Aunty... you should worry about finding someone for yourself and getting laid, then obsessing over my love life," scoffed Aubree.

Shadow felt a stab of guilt as the words left his mouth. Looking at the Aunt's expression would haunt Shadow for eternity. The aunt's expression went from anger to sadness as a memory she wanted to forget resurfaced. Finally, after several minutes she spoke choking back a sob "there was someone once... I loved him more than anything... I wouldn't have traded him for a thousand lifetimes... and yet... he sacrificed himself to save all of us..." Aubree's aunt was unable to finish as tears trickled down her cheeks.

"You, Snart for brains," muttered Ira.

Shadow as Aurora felt Iridescent's strong grasp as he was shoved through the portal.

"Don't worry I will talk to her... I will see you Sunday night" said Ira with a sorrowful look before walking into the portal.

********************

Shadow as Aubree came out of the mirror like a bullet, crashing into a nearby bookshelf and buried under an avalanche of books. Ira followed shortly after though her landing was a little less messy.

"Ira that was uncalled for," growled the yellow alicorn.

"No... Aubree what you said to Aunty that was uncalled for."

Shadow felt his ears droop at the unicorn's harsh words.

"Well the damage has been done there is no sense dwelling on it. If you apologize to her I won't have to kill you," chided Ira.

Shadow as Aubree looked up, recognizing Iridescent from their first encounter. A dark violet unicorn with prismatic hair and tail with aqua colored eyes.

"Is that you that I hear bickering girls?" Aubree turned to the sound of a voice Shadow knew all too well "Twilight."

"That's Aunt Twilight Miss Breeze."

"Sorry Aunty."

"Forgive and forget that’s what your mothers always said. Anyway, what took so long?"

Ira remained silent as she winced for the mention of the two missing women.

"Well you see..." said Aubree sheepishly.

"Aunty was just being super clingy this tonight night... reminiscing about the past," said Ira cutting in.

"Remind me to give her a good talking to later. For now, though I have something important to show you," said Twilight.

"Not more fracking friendship is magic lessons," groaned Ira.

"You definitely inherited that temper," muttered Twilight.

"Just tell me what you have to have to show us."

"This!" answered Twilight levitating an old scroll in front of her nieces.

"Oh, look Aubree more dusty paper."

Aubree just giggled at her sister's lack of enthusiasm.

Twilight opened the parchment for all to see as the words began to glow as if alive.

"I knew it... the scroll is reacting to you two," cheered Twilight.

Shadow as Aubree glanced down and the moment, he read the words, he knew that what was etched on the scroll was important.

LIFE is the chaos that’s tests us and never ends,

RESOLVE we must stand as the mountains defy the winds,

CAUSALITY is the outcome of our choice as we live,

COMPASSION allows for understanding so that we may forgive,

POSSIBILITY brings us hope so that we may dream,

HARMONY balances all like a never-ending stream.

Song of Fate

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 2

Astral Plane, Memories of Aurora Breeze and Iridescent Dusk

The glowing words on the scroll resonated with Shadow as he contemplated their meaning.

"Well ladies shall we get started on your friendship lessons?" asked the Memory of Twilight.

The sisters stared at one another and replied, "yes" in unison while rolling their eyes.

"That's great news," replied the memory of Twilight Sparkle, smiling.

"Ira, thanks... thanks for not ratting me out to Aunt Twilight. It means... that you still care about me," said Aubree remaining back with Iridescent Dusk.

"Don't look too much into it. I just didn't feel like listening to Twilight lecture and bitch about how I could let your misconduct happen. Besides now I have leverage against you," replied Ira with a wicked smirk.

"Whatever you say, Snart for brains," said Shadow as Aubree, rolling her eyes.

"Girls where are you at? Hurry up!" shouted Twilight's voice from the hallway.

The words "Blah, blah, blah!" escaped Aubree's mouth, eliciting a snicker from Ira as the memory wafted away upon the mists.

Understanding washed, over Shadow as tears blurred his vision. "Aubree and Ira pretend to be brave... but all they have is each other. I to know this this pain and loneliness. It haunts me, Trixie, like these sisters you were all I had... I pushed you away and hurt you... I will save you no matter the cost..."

The two entwined red threads remained conjoined as the spiral untangled from the knotted ball.

********************

Alternate future, Crystal Empire

The magic induced storm raged on outside the medical wing window. Delicate glistening snowflakes carried on the icy winds, flitted past the frosty glass. Twinkle with a melancholic expression, watched the snow fall. Zany fast asleep, snored loudly from the chair next to her. The violet alicorn pulled her gaze from the magical storm towards the unconscious form of Flurry Heart.

"Oh, Flurry please... wake up."

********************

Astral Plane, Star Field

Shadow blinked away the tears, his vision focusing on a dull red thread. A familiar emotion of love radiated from the barely visible strand. Shadow unable to stop himself reached out to the thread as if being called to it. Just before he touched it a soft feminine voice echoed in his mind.

"Not yet... you're not ready!"

The stallion awoke from his dazed stupor and retreated a safe distance from the thread.

"What was that about?" wondered Shadow.

His thoughts ended quickly when the spiral thread as well as one of the crimson ones started to lose their luster.

"They are in trouble... I need to get to them before it's too late!"

Shadow's hooves released rippling rings with each step as he galloped in the direction of the threads.

"At least they are close together."

********************

Iridescent Dusk lay in a starry field unable to move. The violet mare examined her surroundings. Everything was the same on the astral plane and Ira hated the empty vastness of the place.

"I hate this place and I hate being unable to leave even more!" grumbled Ira.

The unicorn stared at her gaping wounds as astral essence trickled out of her. With each lost drop, Iridescent felt herself grow weaker.

"Damn my luck... I am stuck immobile while Aubree is in trouble."

Ira's gaze lingered on her sister's still form as panic and dread suffocated her. The unicorn forced herself to get up but her astral body refused. While her existence ticked away like the hands on a clock Aubree was already fading away.

"No... damn it... damn it... DAMN IT..." shouted a frustrated Ira through choked sobs.

As if an answer to her calls, the mare heard to sound of rushing water. A lone figure could be seen in the distance, coming closer with each step he took.

"Frack me! Why him of all people?" thought Iridescent.

********************

Shadow closed the distance between himself and the sisters. Upon reaching Ira the stallion skidded to a halt as a large rippling wave washed over Iridescent Dusk. The force of the energy felt like an ocean wave without the water or wetness.

"WHY ARE YOU HERE?" growled Ira through clenched teeth.

"To help you," replied Shadow unphased.

"Forget about me, Aubree... is..."

"It may already be too late for her. If I don't help you now, then you both die."

"I don't care... You must save Aurora," said Ira as her tears cascaded down her cheeks.

"You're as stubborn as someone I love dearly, but unlike her I won't walk away from your pain when you are crying out for help."

"No I... am ... not" said Ira weakly.

"I have lost too many people that I care about. I won't lose another so just shut up already," said shadow with a gentle smile.

Shadow's horn exuded a purple glow as he willed his horn to life. Touching his horn to the mare's wounds Shadow began his astral healing spell. Iridescent Dusk's wounds closed stemming the escaping life energy.

"Don't... expect... any... favors..." said Ira, exhausted.

"Rest now!" whispered Shadow.

The image of Shadow was the last thing Iridescent Dusk saw before she drifted off to sleep, returning to her physical body.

********************

With Ira saved, Shadow focused his attention towards Aurora Breeze. The yellow alicorn was barely visible as his astral body winked in and out like a dying lightbulb.

"I hope I'm not too late."

Gently, Shadow touched his horn to Aubree's horn. The soft purple glow engulfed the alicorn. The fading slowed but continued.

"There has to be something I can do," muttered Shadow.

The stallion closed his eyes, concentrating on Aurora.

"Aubree...."

A blinding white light engulfed him as Shadow was transported somewhere else. Just as fast as it appeared, the brightness was gone. Shadow opened his eyes, taking in his new surroundings. Unlike the vast starry emptiness of the astral plane this new place was full of colors. A field of grass and trees spread out as far as the eyes could see. The bright orange sun's warmth shined down upon the land bathing it with life giving energy.

Shadow felt a tickling sensation between his fingers as he stared down at his hands.

"My hands!" said Shadow grasping the grass.

Shadow gasped in awe as he examined his human self.

"It feels good to be back to my old self again."

"Who are you?" said a voice from behind, startling Shadow.

Shadow's heart stopped for an instant as he faced the owner. His gaze lingered on a young woman. Her yellow skin was pale and sickly looking. Her long blue hair with silver highlights had lost its luster. Her once gleaming red eyes had no sparkle. The woman wore an aqua colored v necked sweater with a matching skirt that stopped right below her hips.

"Aubree."

Aurora Breezed put her right index finger to her lower lip, deep in thought. When she gazed into his fuchsia eyes, she recognized him.

"Shadow, is that you?"

"Yes."

"Why are you here?" asked Aubree reaching out her left hand, pressing it to the side of Shadow's cheek.

"I was on the astral plane trying to save you and then there was this light. When I opened my eyes, I was here... Wherever here is?"

"That is a good question. This place could be what lies beyond the astral plane after death or it could even be inside my mind I don't know. Either way you shouldn't save me..."

Aubree paused for a second averting her gaze as she stared at her bare feet.

"Why is that?" asked Shadow with a quiet tone.

The young man using his right index finger gently lifted Aurora's chin so that she was eye level with him. Tears trickled down her cheeks as her red pools gazed into his soul.

"I'm evil and not worth saving."

Shadow clasped her face in his hands. Using his thumbs Shadow wiped away her tears with a soft caress.

"You're not evil."

"I am trying to murder you, if that isn't evil I don't what is."

"I'm still alive so you're not evil. Misguided maybe but evil... nope."

"You don't even know me... so... why are you trying to save me?"

"I know you better than you think" replied Shadow.

"It doesn't matter... like this field I am but a blade of grass to be blown on the wind. My fate was sealed when I walked this path with Ira. So please just let me die..."

"You are just as stubborn as your sister. Sheesh! Just shut up and let me heal you."

Aubree released a gasp as a faint purple glow engulfed her. Shadow pressed his forehead to hers as the astral healing stole Aubree from the icy grasp of death.

"Why?" asked Aurora with sadness.

"I'm selfish... I have lost too much and caused just as much pain. Everyone deserves a second chance" said Shadow with a sad smile.

"Your mercy is... Aaaaaaaaaagggggggghhhhhhhhh!" shrieked Aubree grasping her chest in pain and falling to her knees.

"Aubree?"

"Go... Go to her before it's too late," said Aurora.

"Her who?"

"Flurry Heart... needs you."

With a flash of white Shadow was back on the astral plane.

"Frack me! When it rains, it pours..."

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 3

Astral Plane

The vastness of space where stars exist, millions of tiny motes revealing their brilliance in a place where light is scarce. Flurry Heart detached from her mortal body floated in the void. Trapped within her own mind the alicorn reflected upon her past conversations and actions that led her to this point.

The conversation with Cadance about not wanting the throne. Mother I will not take the throne. Being born an alicorn doesn't make you a leader.

Flurry's interactions with Twinkle about the future. I will not undergo the final princess coronation. I would rather live a single life with the ones I love than live an immortal life. I will always be with you even after I am gone.

Troubled by her repeating thoughts Flurry began to doubt her chosen path.

"Is this the right choice? Maybe I should have chosen the throne. Should I have put the needs of the kingdom and its subjects above my own? Maybe Shadow is right I am just a spoiled princess. If I remain here unattached from my body... I can just fade away. My selfish ambitions won't hurt anyone ever again..."

Flurry all but faded, heard a familiar voice.

"What's wrong princess? That isn't like you to just give up. Where is the strong-willed Flurry that sticks by her choices?"

"Shadow?"

"The great and powerful," replied Shadow.

Flurry slowly opened her eyes her gaze never leaving the stallion's smiling face.

"Why are you here?"

"Not to throw you a pity party that's for sure," replied the unicorn with a gentle smile.

Crestfallen, Flurry Heart turned her head away mumbling. "Just left me fade away... The ponies of Equestria deserve a better leader... The world is better off without my selfish desires."

"Who cares if others are upset about your desires for a life of your choosing? If the inhabitants of Equestria can't accept your choices, then to hell with them. Your life is your own to decide the outcome not anyone else's," said Shadow.

"I choose to fade away..."

"That is one desire you can't choose!"

Flurry Heart's astral form had almost completely vanished and it took the remaining energy she had left to speak "why can't I?"

Shadow chose his words carefully as he spoke "does it matter?"

For a brief instant a dark glint filled with sadness appeared in Flurry Heart's eyes. That was all the answer Shadow needed. The stallion inhaled, releasing a deep sigh. "I am a selfish person... I refuse to let you just simply fade away... I need you Flurry Heart... after all that I have seen, I know you better than anyone... and I can't see myself living without you in my life... Right now, my selfishness trumps yours, so just shut up and stop wasting essence."

Flurry Heart slowly shut her eyes, drifting into nothingness...

Tears streaming down his cheeks, the stallion willed his magic forward. With every ounce of astral essence, he could muster Shadow sacrificed himself to Flurry Heart...

*******************

Alternate Future, Crystal Empire, Castle Medical Wing

Outside the snowstorm raged on, no end in sight. On the other side of a frozen window dim candlelight danced eerily on the walls casting long shows across the walls. With the sky covered by the storm nopony new exactly if it was night or day. within the confines of the small space Twinkle Sparkle sat next to Flurry Heart, watching her cousin's still form, and praying for a sign. The violet alicorn surprised, jumped out of her seat when Flurry spoke "just let me fade away... Shadow..."

Twinkle looked on in horror as the luster in Flurry Heart's mane and tail turned pale and dull. With a final choking breath Flurry stopped moving...

Twinkle released a blood curdling scream NOOOOOOOO! Flurry HEART!"

Zany woke from his nap, falling out of his chair with a loud crash. The half-draconequus righted himself as he looked at his dead friend. Not one for crying Zany was unable to stop the flood escaping his eyes. Before he could speak the door to the room flew open. Cadance followed by Shining Armor entered the room when Twinkle's scream echoed through the castle. Engulfed with anguish Cadance threw herself to her daughter's lifeless body, her chest heaved with sobs. Shining embraced his wife joining her in sorrow.

********************

Astral Plane

The silver thread connecting Flurry Heart to her physical body snapped and vanished. Shadow tried to reattach it like he did with Sunset, but his motivational words hadn't reached her in time. Recreating the alicorn's silver thread was beyond Shadow's current knowledge and time he didn't have. Desperate to save Flurry, Shadow tethered her soul to his own silver thread.

"This will have to do until I can save her."

A feeling of knowing, rose from deep within his core. Shadow knew that he could do this. "I don't really have much of a choice."

The movement of time flows differently on the astral plane and was against Shadow all the same. The stallion felt the strain of maintaining a second soul as he used his essence to mend Flurry's silver link to the physical realm. Shadow paused for a brief second to glance at his companion. With each pulse of a star the alicorn's luster returned to her astral form. The stallion know that the fix was just temporary. Shadow knew that his and Flurry Heart's existence hinged on his gamble.

"She is worth the risk" thought Shadow.

After what felt like hours Shadow felt the fatigue. That's when a shift in his essence jolted him awake. Flurry opened her eyes.

"It's about time you woke up princess," chided Shadow refocusing on his work.

Flurry blinked away the haze.

"How am I still alive?"

"You're not quite alive..." replied Shadow.

Flurry opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Shadow's harsh words.

"Now isn't the time for small talk princess. Follow that silver thread and convince them not to do anything to your corpse!"

What? I don't understand..."

"JUST GO BEFORE WE BOTH DIE!" growled Shadow.

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 4

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 5

Author's Note

Finally here is the next part and it is long. As always like comment and such. Enjoy.

Snowed In... Revelations! Part 5

Iridescent Dusk woke with a severe migraine. The young mare attempted to rub her temples, but her hooves were chained to the ground.

"Just my fracking luck... I lose control, fail to destroy the target, run into Twinkle and get thrown and chained to the floor in prison... The worst thing... is Aubree is gone and I'm... all alone."

Ira's tears dotted the stone as her soft sobs echoed off the walls.

********************

Crystal Empire Medical Wing

The weather outside raged on as the royal family made their decision.

"With the snowstorm impeding us, I feel that the best way to honor our daughter is to burn her body in a ceremonial fire," said Shining Armor speaking softly to his wife.

Cadance, crestfallen only heard every other word her husband had said. With a sob caught in her throat the alicorn of love silently nodded in agreement.

As the captain of the guard levitated Flurry Heart's body off the bed, several shouts penetrated the closed door, reverberating off the walls.

"Halt, you are not permitted to pass."

"Stand down, I am Princess Flurry Heart," replied a male voice.

"What kind of sick humor do you have? Show some respect sir or you will spend some time in the dungeon."

"Do I look like I'm laughing? I said stand down! Don't make me use force knave," said Flurry raising her male sounding voice.

Within moments the hall on either side of the trio were swarming with palace guards. Twinkle watched as the scene unfolded and intense. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the yellow electricity of anger glinting in the stallion's fuchsia eyes.

"Stand down this instant there has been enough loss recently," said Twinkle trying to dissipate the tension.

"I am sorry Princess Twinkle, but we are under strict orders not to let anypony else in the room."

"That's absurd! Twinkle isn't just anypony else... she is part of the royal family," replied Zany adding his own anger to the pot.

"Zany now isn't the time for trouble..." laughed Twinkle nervously.

"Either shut up or help us Twinkle," growled Flurry.

The guard looked to his compatriots for support, then in a commanding voice shouted," seize the troublemakers and lock them in the dungeon with the other one."

Before the guards could react, Flurry released her fury. Yellow lightening skipped over Twinkle and Zany while blasting away the guards in either direction. The door guard taking the brunt of the ethereal magic disappeared out of site and the door exploded inwards.

********************

Shining armor erected a barrier just in time, protect himself and Cadance as wooden shrapnel and a lone guard bounced harmlessly off the invisible shield.

"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Shining Armor.

"No time for pleasantries father I need to secure my body."

Appalled that a stallion he hardly knew would call him father, Shining glared down at his niece.

"Sorry Uncle..." said Twinkle meekly.

"Don't apologize Twinkle those guards were out of line."

"Out of line? ... Shadow... NO FLURRYYYYY... YOU'RE THE ONE WHO IS OUT OF LINE. LIKE ALWAYS, YOUR HOTHEADNESS AND RECKLESS ACTIONS ARE THE PROBLEM HERE, NOT THE GUARDS," snapped Twinkle.

"I'm glad you finally believe me, dear cousin," replied Flurry.

"Only you would charge headlong into trouble without thinking..." grumbled Twinkle.

Zany softly chuckled to himself under his stoic facade.

The atmosphere in the room abruptly changed as Cadance the Princess of Love let her emotions boil over. Cadance, her voice barely a whisper but loud enough to get her point across said "How dare you? ... How dare you barge in here causing havoc and spouting such nonsense. My daughter is dead and you three have the nerve to disrespect our funerary arrangements. And you Twinkle I expect more from you!"

Twinkle, never witnessing her aunt's ire cowered behind Zany, whom remained as still as a statue. "Not even her own mother instills fear in her," laughed Zany internally.

Flurry on the other hand remained unphased at her mother's outburst but panicked over the mention of a funeral.

"You can't have a funeral," shouted Flurry.

"You three have no say in the matter," said the stern voice of Shining Armor as he enveloped the trio in a shield bubble.

"What is the meaning of this father?"

"Listen kid I'm not your father and until the ceremony is over with, you three will remain here."

"What? Wait, no... you can't," replied Flurry.

"Guards" ordered Shining Armor.

Several golden clad ponies of varying size entered the small space.

Keep an eye on our guests... If they try anything only use as much force as necessary but don't injure them... Twili would never forgive me if Twinkle was hurt..."

For a brief instant Cadance looked from her husband to the young ponies trapped in the barrier. Before she could speak Shining cut her off.

"I know what you're thinking Cay but... young ones must learn when too much, is too much and take responsibility for their actions.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF TARTARUS DO YOU THINK I'M DOING!" roared Flurry Heart.

Ignoring the complaints of the trio the royals left the room, leaving Flurry and her friends at the mercy of the guards.

"Frack!" said Flurry banging her head against the shield.

"I don't think swearing and banging your head is going to help us," replied Twinkle.

The glare from Flurry's fuchsia eyes silenced the alicorn.

"Look on the bright side Flutter Nutter, now we get to add grave robbing to our ever-growing list of crimes," said Zany with a sly smile.

"You don't get it Zany," said Twinkle.

"What?"

"The ground is frozen due to the storm."

"What does that have to do with anything Twinkle Toes?"

"Frack me," groaned Flurry.

"What are you two talking about?" grumbled Zany.

"They are going to burn my body..."

"Oh frack..." replied Zany.

********************

The smell of cooking meat assaulted Shadow's nose as he slowly stirred.

"Yum... Bacon!"

The burning sting of pain caused Shadow's eyes to widen in fear as the scent of smoked meat grew stronger. The alicorn's gaze explored the large room for only a second, then lingered on the burning pyre he was lying on.

"Damn that's not breakfast cooking... that's me."

Shadow willed his body to move but nothing happened.

The intense heat and searing pain reached unbearable levels that Shadow had never before felt.

"Damn it! Do something" screamed Shadow to himself.

In a blinding flash of purple, the pyre exploded outward leaving Shadow in Flurry's body suspended in midair.

"What in the name of Celestia" shouted Shining Armor.

Realizing he was flying, Shadow lost his focus, crashing to the ground. Battered and singed the pink alicorn panted heavily from exhaustion.

Wide eyed and surprised Cadance galloped over to Flurry's body, embracing Shadow in a warm hug. "Oh, Floopy Dear you're alive".

"I can't... breath," croaked Shadow.

"I'm sorry" said Cadance loosening her grip just a bit.

"What is going on here, Flurry? You were dead... and now you're not. What manner of dark magic is at work here?" said Shining gawking at Shadow.

"Why are they calling me Flurry... oh right... For now, I should just play along," thought Shadow.

"Any longer and I would have been dead," growled Shadow.

Shining Armor gazed into the blue eyes of Shadow.

"Flurry honey I'm sorry... I only wanted to honor your death in the best way possible."

Shadow bit his tongue preventing the venomous response he had ready. "I need to keep a level head... it’s not their fault their daughter failed at her task..."

Shadow closed his eyes, taking slow calming breaths.

"Did Shadow come to you?" asked the alicorn.

The captain of the guard's posture stiffened as he glowered at the mention of the light blue unicorn.

"That blasted ingrate did more than just come to us..." seethed Shining.

"Ingrate? You're just like that stuck up bitch Celestia... condescending and judgmental," growled Shadow.

Shining, feeling the biting sting in his chest stepped back, defeated at Shadow's words. "I'm sorry you think so poorly of me honey."

Cadance's calm visage went from her husband to her daughter. “Why is Flurry so passionate about this?" Cadance scrutinized the young mare's blue eyes for a moment, her eyes widened just a bit as she put two and two together. "you're not Flurry, are you?" whispered Cadance.

Shadow switched his gaze to the princess next to him, pondering her stern expression. Choosing his words carefully Shadow replied, "Flurry is currently in my body and I need to get to her."

Wary, Cadance was about to deny the request but the genuine pleading look she received from Shadow changed her mind. "You have one chance to set everything right."

"Thank you Princess Cadance."

Shadow attempted once again to stand. Focusing on his slender legs the alicorn was able to extend the front pair allowing him to sit up. After a brief respite the back legs responded. "My balance is all messed up. How different could one pony's body be? ... " Shadow blushed when he finally realized he was in a female body. "... Besides the obvious... you dolt," thought Shadow.

********************

Furious, Flurry released a lightning spell trying to weaken the shields structure. The magic projectile bounced off the barrier, ricocheting twice before zapping Twinkle's posterior.

"Ouch! Do you mind Flurry? That's the third time I have been on the receiving end of your spells."

"That's because you have such an attractive personality Twinkle Toes," teased Zany.

"That means nothing coming from you, half-breed! You're worse than Flurry. I am covered from head to hoof with jam, marshmallow, and pie fillings," growled Twinkle.

"Sorry Twinkle Toes."

"Save your apology for somepony else. I know you targeted me on purpose."

"At least you boyfriend is doing something besides whining," chided Flurry Heart.

"I am not whining! I just want to know, how getting hit by sugary food, constitutes as helping?"

"Well my studious sweetheart, I can officially conclude that my experiment was a success. I have proven beyond a shadow of doubt that my chaotic magics cannot penetrate Shining Armor's shield," replied Zany summoning a pair of glasses on his face while speaking in a more formal yet stuck-up voice.

"You're so full of waste material Zany and you know it."

"Please doooo. elaborate my dear," said Zany shrugging.

"The probability that I am the only pony hit by spells is statistically improbable. Either you or Flurry should have been hit at least once," lectured Twinkle.

No sooner had the words escaped the alicorn's mouth, when a pocket dimension appeared above Twinkle, depositing an apple cream pie over her face.

"ZANY!"

"Oops..." said the half-breed trying to stifle a laugh, failing.

"You are so dead!"

Exasperated, Flurry face planted her head on the invisible barrier. "Ugh... I'm going to be stuck in this bookwormish body forever..." groaned Flurry Heart.

********************

"I really hope that won't be the case," replied a feminine voice.

Flurry raised her head at the sound of her own voice. "What in the name of Celestia?" asked Flurry staring at herself.

"Awkward!" muttered Zany.

""Shadow? asked Flurry, ignoring Zany's remark.

"Mostly," replied Shadow with a humorless expression and a hint of irritation.

"What's with the attitude?"

"You fail at following simple tasks Princess!" growled Shadow.

"That's easy for you to say! Do you think I had a choice being imprisoned by my father's magic shield? Besides you're one to talk! At least your coat, mane and tail aren't marred and singed black," fumed Flurry raising her voice.

"You most certainly did have a choice. It’s your fault we are in this mess to begin with Flurry Heart... If you would have shown just a shred of restraint and listened to me... Instead you charged in here destroying things and making demands," spat Twinkle.

"Eat you pie Twinkle and be quiet," replied Flurry.

Twinkle responded by flinging a clump of sugary gunk. The mass splattered Flurry in the face, temporarily blinding her. The light blue unicorn wiped the goop away, sneering at her cousin.

"It’s not so fun having pie in your eye now is it, dear cousin?"

"Twinkle!"

"You had that coming for quite a while now Flurry Heart," snarled Twinkle.

"If I wasn't stuck in her with you two, I would find the whole incident alluring," Smiled Zany.

"Shut up you pervert!" shouted Twinkle and Flurry at the same time.

"You three are all kinds of useless," chided Shadow.

"If anypony is useless it is you Shadow Lulamoon. You're the one who plopped me down into this frack fest of Tartarus, in your weak body. I was chased by a nightmare possessed Ira and assault by my own father and guards," replied Flurry Heart fuming.

"Oh, you, poor princess you had some minor difficulties and a little embarrassment. That is nothing to being roasted over an open fire like a slab of meat, you useless prude."

"Don't you dare mock me, you ass. It was embarrassing."

"You want to see embarrassing princess... How about I lick myself like a dog right here in front of everyone?"

"DON'T YOU DARE!"

The yellow and purple energy radiating from the arguing pair shorted out the barrier as the two energies collided.

"Will you two just get a room already... the sexual tension in here is nauseating," remarked Zany.

Cadance calm and collected remained silent until Zany's words caused her to sputter. "Is that what all of this is about."

Shining Armor entered the room just as he heard the words sexual tension. "What in Celestia's name is going on in here... I will not allow that kind of behavior in my castle."

With a glare from Flurry and Shadow, a ball of radiant energy swirling with yellow and purple, encircled the captain of the guard. It was you who trapped us in here and tried to burn the body without listening said Flurry and Shadow in unison sharing the same thoughts. Shining was lifted off the ground and flung into the hallway while furniture barricaded the doorway, preventing another living soul from entering the room.

Flurry, Shadow, please calm down there has been enough tragedy for one evening..."

Shadow's resolve cracked when he glanced at Cadance's sorrowful expression.

"My mother is right... Truce?"

"Until we fix our body swap" replied Shadow.

********************

Crystal Empire, Castle Library, Five hours later

Whatever daylight that peeked through the blinding snowstorm vanished as night set in. Twinkle Sparkle and company poured through every book in the palace library trying to find a spell on soul transfer.

Shadow and Flurry defeated, tossed their final books into the finished pile.

"This is the last book in my stack, and I have yet to find any spells or mentions of soul transfer" said Twinkle.

"Not much luck here either," replied Zany flipping through a picture book.

"Zany, that's a little foal's picture book..." scoffed Twinkle.

"Twinkle you can't expect much from somepony with the attention span of a slug," chided Flurry Heart.

"I can't argue with you there, Flurry."

"Would the city library have something?" asked Shadow in Flurry's body.

"Shadow, magic dealing with souls is a forbidden art and falls under dark magic. The only places that would have books on the topic will be in a well-guarded place or in a palace," replied Flurry.

"If you don't mind me asking. How did you accomplish a soul transfer Shadow?"

"I don't really know Twinkle. All that I know is that I was floating in the astral plane and somehow I just knew that I could do it."

"That is a bit vague. What exactly did you do?"

"I messed around with our silver threads."

"How is that possible? The silver threads are a pony's lifeline. If the cord breaks you die," replied Twinkle, her face contorted in shock.

"I did die Twinkle... but Shadow forced me back," said Flurry with sadness.

"Flurry..." said Twinkle embracing her cousin in a bear hug.

"All Shadow has to do is travel to the astral plane and fix everything problem solved," smiled Zany.

"That's easier said than done," grumbled Shadow.

"With the information I have obtained from the Twilight of your time, astral manipulation is a natural talent in your family. Astral travel should be doable," replied Twinkle.

"I don't know anything about my family's history, so I don't know how much is true and how much is false. All I know is that Oldman Starswirl said no matter how man dimensions there are and how many different versions of ourselves exist you share the same pool of astral essence. Once it is used up you and all your other selves will cease to exist. As far as the astral plane is concerned, I have only been the a few times. All of my visits were triggered by strong emotion connections with someone or near-death experiences."

"That is completely illogical. How can you manipulate the astral plane but not travel there willingly?"

"I don't think Shadow is incapable of astral travel. I believe it is because he doesn't have enough experience yet to attempt it dear cousin."

"You might be onto something Flurry but nopony here has the ability to teach Shadow."

"Nor do we have time for me to learn," mumbled Shadow.

Twinkle rubbed her chin with her right front hoof, contemplating their next move. The alicorn's expression suddenly changed as she lit up like a Christmas tree. A worried expression passed over Shadow's face as a shit eating grin appeared on Twinkle. "I have an idea that should theoretically work."

"I'm not going to like this am I?"

"Pfft! All we have to do is create an event that will trigger your subconsciousness to go to the astral plane," said Twinkle excitedly.

Shadow glared at the dark violet alicorn. "I am not getting thrown onto another fire nor I am I going to make out with you!"

"That's what Flurry Heart is for," replied Twinkle with a coy smile.

"Oh, this is getting good," said Zany matching his girlfriend's expression.

"Leave me out of your perverted games," scoffed Flurry, blushing.

"Come on Flurry. What happened to all that bluster you had? Don't you want your body back?" teased Twinkle.

"That's not funny Twinkle. How about we swap you and Zany and then have you kiss yourself," chided Flurry.

"It might be a tad embarrassing, but Zany is so full of himself that it really wouldn't be an issue."

Flurry stared at her cousin's mischievous smile for a moment before she tore her gaze from Twinkle. Her eyes met the sapphire blue gaze that was currently Shadow's eyes. Embarrassed the pair quickly averted their gazes.

"You two make is sound so easy," groaned Shadow.

"It really is!" Zany with a shit eating grin plastered across his face pulled Twinkle towards himself. Surprising the violet alicorn the young half-breed embraced her, planting his mouth on his girlfriends. Twinkle blushed as she passionately returned the kiss. Their tongues danced over each other’s teeth as they relished the intensity of the kiss.

Just as quickly Zany released the alicorn. Twinkle still enamored from Zany's antics collapsed to the floor with a loud thud as her head bounced off the table.

"See easy peasy, lemon squeezy" said Zany, smirking.

"ZANY!" shouted Twinkle rubbing the back of her head.

"Sorry my love, I slipped."

"You dropped me on purpose you half-breed."

"I plead the fifth."

"This isn't a court hearing Zany. You are one hundred and fifty three percent guilty."

"One hundred and fifty three percent? One hundred percent is perfect babe. For such studious alicorn your math is a bit off Twinkle Toes."

"Oh, my math is spot on Zany and it tells me that you shouldn't sleep tonight," said Twinkle with an evil possessed expression.

Zany's ears fell flat on head as he watched in fear as Twinkle smiled like a mad scientist. "Fracking dream walkers!" grumbled Zany.

Flurry, in her Shadow suit gestured to the door with her left hoof. Shadow nodded his understanding, crept to the entrance followed by Flurry Heart.

********************

"Wow that was intense. If I already hadn't known that they were a couple I would have thought that they were mortal enemies," chortled Shadow.

Softly closing the door Flurry replied, "Growing up they were mortal enemies. Zany was always bullying Twinkle. This one is mild compare to some of their spats."

The couple jumped as something large crashed against the door.

"You call that mild?"

Flurry chuckled nervously as she rubbed the back of her head with her right hoof.

"Is that how we sounded yesterday?"

"I wonder," replied flurry.

"I guess it really doesn't matter. How shall we proceed?" asked Shadow.

I'm not such but at least my mother was able to convince my father to give us our space to figure this out."

"I stand by what I told Twinkle earlier. We are not endangering our lives to travel to the astral plane."

"I agree wholeheartedly! My body has too many burn marks and singed hairs already," complained Flurry.

"Vain much," retorted Shadow with a smile.

"Perhaps," countered Flurry.

Shadow chuckle at the princess's words as he gazed into his own fuchsia pools. Flurry blushed more as her matching sapphire eyes lingered on her.

Shadow took the initiative and kissed Flurry. The princess's eyes widened in shock at the suddenness of the action. Her surprise faded as Flurry leaned in, enjoying the moment. Tiny bolts of electricity danced around the couple as the passion intensified. Reluctantly Shadow pulled away to catch his breath.

Flurry came off her emotional high when Shadow pulled away. "Wow!"

"I know," replied Shadow.

Hundreds of thoughts passed through her head while one screamed out louder than the rest. With a gleam in her eyes and a sultry voice "let’s find a more private place to continue this."

Shadow remained silent, gulping as Flurry heart led him away from the noisy library.

********************

Aurora Breeze's eyes shot open after days of being unconscious. Tiny droplets of joy moistened her eyes, dotting the soft pillow.

"Shadow saved her..."

********************

Iridescent Dusk heard the dungeon door open as the guard on duty brought her daily gruel to her.

"Sit tight knave while I slide you your meal."

"You know damn well I can't move you bastard," growled Ira.

"I know! I just like to hear scum like you complain about how unfair their life is," taunted the guard as she slid the gruel under the bars. The bowel slid across the smooth floor stopping next to Ira.

"Just you wait you bitch... I am going to rip out your teeth and cram them down your throat when I get out of here."

"All the criminals say that before they die of panic in here. You are no different. If I had my way you would have been executed days ago but luckily for you, we have a benevolent ruler."

"Celestia is a prude," scoffed Ira.

The guards face contorted in anger for a moment before she reigned in her emotions.

"I was talking about Princess Cadance not Princess Celestia.”

"She is even worse," taunted Ira.

The guards face contorted in anger as she lowered her spear, jamming between the metal bars.

Iridescent winced in pain as the pointed weapon bit into her flesh. Tiny droplets of blood spattered on the floor from the wound as the guard slowly removed her spear.

"Before I am finished here, I will kill you first! growled Ira through gritted teeth, feeling every agonizing bite of the bladed tip as it exited.

The guard looked at Ira like she had two heads. "Whatever you say scum," chortled the guard.

The dungeon fell silent again with the closing of the iron wrought door. Iridescent screamed with frustration, kicking her evening meal over.

"Fracking guard," seethed Ira.

Unbeknownst to Iridescent a lone figure watched from the shadows as the guard left. The dark violet unicorn calmed after several minutes letting her memories wash over her. Ira was unable to keep the tears from escaping as she reminisced about her sister "Oh Aubree..."

"I always knew your actions would land you behind bars little miss mopey pants," said a familiar voice from the shadows.

"I am in here because of you. You pain in my ass... scoffed Ira.

Realization dawned on Iridescent Dusk, her expression changing. "Aubree?"

"The one and only," replied the smiling face of Ira's sister.

Overcome with joy Iridescent forgot about her bindings and open wound as she rushed towards her sister. The metal chains pulled tight, yanked Ira to the floor. The young unicorn face planted against the cold stone as blood trickled down her chin from a bit tongue.

"Ouch! That looked like it hurt. Are you alright Ira?" asked Aubree with concern.

"Does it look like I'm alright?" growled Ira from the floor.

"There is no need to get snippy Iridescent. I was just worried about you," chided Aurora.

"Just shut up and get me out of here."

"You're the magic expert get yourself out," shrugged Aubree pretending to be hurt and uninterested.

"Your mind games don't work on me doofus... besides I have already tried to escape but the cell and chains seal my powers."

"Sucks to be you," said Aubree with a smile.

"Stop playing around Aubree we have a mission to complete."

"That's why I am here."

"Good, now please get me out."

"Although I am happy you said please... we need to talk."

"Ugh! Fine just make it fast Aubree. These chains chafe and I have to staunch the bleeding in my side."

Aurora Breezed cocked her head to the left, studying her sister. After several minutes of lingering silence Aubree hesitantly spoke "I will let you out under one condition..."

"What's that Aubree?" glared Ira.

"You stop trying to murder Shadow."

Ira's wrath poured from her glaring visage, sending shivers up Aubree's spine.

"After all we have endured... you get cold feet and threaten me into giving up my revenge?" seethed Ira.

"Cold feet would imply fear Ira and I am past being afraid of everything... most of all you. I spent some time bonding with Shadow while in the astral plane. He understands us. Whatever happened in our past wasn't Shadow's fault. He has lost just as much as we have."

"I don't want to hear your lame excuses Aubree... you weakling.”

Ignoring her sister's taunts Aubree remained strong in the face of adversity.

"So, do we have a deal, or will you remain in here?"

He abandoned us and you demand that I give him amnesty... frack you Aurora. FRACK YOU!" growled Ira.

"Shadow never willingly abandoned anyone," replied Aubree calmly.

"You don't know that."

"I don't have to know Ira because I feel it with all my heart."

"Your damn fool! Your blind faith has brought about your end Aubree."

"Perhaps, but Shadow saved us from ourselves as well as Flurry Heart."

"Saving Flurry Heart doesn't change anything."

"It does for me Ira... I will ask you one more time. Will you forget your revenge, or will you choose to rot behind bars?"

"Preach all you want. Shadow will die."

"Fine then I have nothing left to say to you Iridescent Dusk."

"I warn you now Aubree if you choose to side with the enemy, I will not hesitate to kill you as well."

"If that is how it must be then so be it... Goodbye Ira..."

Aubree left the darkness of the dungeon behind. Closing the iron door, the alicorn pressed her back up against the cold surface. Sliding to the ground Aurora let her tears free. The tiny droplets cascaded down her yellow cheeks creating tiny pools on the stone floor.

"I love you Ira ... forever and always."

********************

Sunset woke to the gleaming stars of the astral plane. The orange yellow unicorn was alone except for a crimson red thread that trailed from her horn to somewhere far off in the distance. Staring at the ethereal strand Sunset was hopeful it would lead her to the one she seeks.

"Shadow just has to be on the other side."

Sunset's hoof falls left little rippling pools as she galloped after the thread. Although time was irrelevant on the astral plane the anticipation made her trip feel like an eternity. What started with a joyful smile turned into a scowl as Shadow came into view. Standing next to the stallion was a pink alicorn with a curly pink main streaked with blue. Sunset froze, standing erect as she glared into the sapphire blue eyes of the alicorn.

"Shadow... it's good to see you. Who is your friend?" asked Sunset with a fake smile.

"Sunshim?" said Shadow.

Seeing Sunset filled Shadow with joy as well as the heartache he still felt as he gazed deeply into her aqua eyes.

"I am Princess Flurry Heart of the Crystal Empire," interrupted Flurry.

"I'm Sunset Shimmer... normally I would shake your hand... but ponies don't have them," said Sunset waving her right hoof for emphasis. The motion of her hoof slowed as it blurred, changing from a hoof to a human hand and back again. Shadow noticed the change at the same time as Sunset.

"What the heck?" said Sunset.

"That gives me an idea," said Shadow.

Shadow closed his astral eyes and willed his form to change. At first nothing happened then after a moment the stallion's astral form transformed from pony to human.

"Why didn't I think of this sooner. I am so glad to see you guys again," said Shadow with a smile as he wiggled his fingers.

"How is he able to change his astral form?" asked Flurry with a curious expression on her face.

"Augmenter of causality," said Sunset nonchalantly.

"What does that even mean? I have heard that title used a couple of times now."

"That is for me and Shadow to know," scoffed Sunset.

Flurry Heart studied Sunset for a moment, noticing the crimson thread. "The second crimson thread. Shadow must still care for her" thought Flurry as a dull ache seeped into her. "No, I won't give up so easily." Flurry filled with iron resolve stood strong and with her regal voice said, "Oh really... and just what is your relationship with Shadow?"

"It's... complicated," replied Sunset a little squeamishly.

"It can't be that complicated. From my understanding you and Shadow are not a couple."

"Like I said..."

"No, it's not! You used him for your own pleasure and then when you were through you ripped out his soul and destroyed it. You don't deserve Shadow," said Flurry lowering her voice so that only Sunset could hear.

"You're right I hurt him deeply... and I don't deserve him..."

Flurry's stern expression softened a bit as Sunset continued speaking.

"I couldn't help it... I was broken and Scared when Shadow confessed to me... I said the first thing that came to mind. Not a day goes by that I don't regret my actions... I love him... with all that I am," finished Sunset.

"You should go."

"Shadow needs to know," said Sunset gazing longingly at Shadow who was busy admiring his human features.

"You hurt Shadow enough. What good would it do to dredge up that pain you caused him?" said a saddened Flurry.

Sunset winced at Flurry's words and backed away. "Please I need..."

"I am sorry Sunset Shimmer I will not allow it."

Sunset stared at Flurry for a moment before stepping forward. Closing the gap, the unicorn touched her horn to Flurry, before the alicorn could react. Sunset's empathy geode magic flowed through her along with Flurry Heart's current memories. Learning all that she needed to know, Sunset stumbled back. Tears welled up in her eyes as everything became clear.

"He has moved on..."

"Yes," replied Flurry.

"You love him too," stated Sunset softly.

Flurry faltered for an instant at the unicorn's declaration.

With a final glance at Shadow Sunset reached out her right hoof towards her friend but then quickly pulled it back. With her tears shimmering amongst the stars Sunset left the astral plane, returning to her physical body.

"Shadow still loves you... I am truly sorry for the lie Sunset Shimmer... but I also care for him..."

Augmenter of Causality... Misforfune or Flowers?

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Complications of the Heart! Part 1

Author's Note

This Chapter is pretty long so I will break it up into two chapters. Here is the first part please enjoy. Don't forget to comment I like constructive critisism :)

Complications of the Heart! Part 1

Equestria Twilight's Crystal Castle Present Day

Sunset Shimmer stirred in her sleep, due to a loud knock coming from her door. The unicorn rolled placing a pillow over her head to silence the noise. Sunset drained and exhausted from her trip to the astral plane faded back into her deep slumber. The words "Sunset... Sunset Shimmer," rang hollowly, lingering in the back of her mind. When no response was forthcoming the voice on the reverse side of the door took on a more urgent tone while pounding on the wooden barricade.

"Sunset Shimmer! If you're in there open this door, please." Still no reply. "Fine if you won’t answer I am coming in."

With a quick flash Twilight Sparkle from the human world blinked out, appearing on the inside of the door. Sci-Twi standing in utter blackness yanked open the tall red flowing curtains allowing sunlight to penetrate the lonely blackness of the room. Using the natural light as a guide the magenta unicorn weaved her way through the maze of randomness towards the queen-sized bed in the center of the room.

"Good word, this room is messier than your apparent back home is Sunset," muttered Twilight under her breath.

Sci-Twi's pace was slow going as she bumped into many smaller objects. The young mare stopped abruptly wincing in pain as her right front most hoof connected with something hard.

"FRACK ME!" howled Twilight using the same explicative that she heard Sunset Shimmer use most days. Nursing her hoof Twilight growled and removed the clutter away from the bed using telekinesis. Several bruises and no patience later she was standing next to Sunset Shimmer. "Sunset Shimmer you need to get your mopey rump up right now!" demanded Sci-Twi. Whether the sleeping mare heard Twilight or not, Sunset didn't budge. Annoyed Twilight glared at the covered form of Sunset Shimmer. "I said get up!" shouted the lavender unicorn removing the blankets and yanking the pillow out of Sunset's grasp using magic.

Sunset hissed and groaned, flinching away from the noon day sunlight that burned her eyes. "What? ... What the frack?"

"You need to get up right now," repeated Sci-Twi stamping her left front hoof in irritation.

Sunset blinked, rubbing her bleary watery eyes, focusing on the lavender unicorn. "Ugh! ... Go away Sci-Twi, you are fracking annoying."

"Don't you dare scoff at me Sunset Shimmer. You have no right to be annoyed. I am the one who has bruises on top of their bruises. And for the last time my name is not Sci-Twi!"

Sunset groaned, rolled her eyes, and pull the blanket over her face using her magic.

"No, you don't Sunset Shimmer! Princess Twilight sent me to retrieve you and bring you to her lab and I intend to make sure that happens." The blanket wrapped in a lavender glow winked out of existence, teleported to some unknown location.

"Just tell her I died," muttered Sunset glaring at her best friend from the human world.

"That would be a lie considering you are definitely not speaking right now," said the unicorn sarcastically.

"I don't care what you tell the Princess just go away and leave me alone..." growled Sunset.

Twilight cocked her head as she studied her friend. Always the perceptive one, Twilight noticed that Sunset's eyes were bloodshot and crusted from crying. "Sunset, what happened last night that made your attitude worse. Did you dream about your breakup with Shadow?" Sunset winced at the mention of Shadow.

"It is about Shadow," stated Sci-Twi.

"You're wrong..." said Sunset, her bottom lip quivering as her voice caught in her throat.

Sci-Twi sat on the bed next to her best friend, Princess Twilight's request forgotten. "You can tell me Sunset I don't bite," said Twilight with a gentle laugh.

Sunset quickly averted her gaze, remaining silent. With no response forthcoming Twilight tried a new approach. "Sunset when I turned into... When I turned into Midnight Sparkle, you were always there for me. You helped guide me through the darkness and into the light. When my nightmares of my time as Midnight haunted me and ruined my dreams you were there to comfort me. As time went on you helped me embrace my magic and not be controlled by my fears. So please... let me help you now."

Sunset slowly glanced up, her aqua eyes gazing into her friends. "While.... I was asleep... I traveled to th... the astral plane where I met Shadow..."

Twilight looked at her companion with extreme interest, eyes glittering with a thirst for knowledge. Sci-Twi remained silent nodding her head at different intervals while hundreds of questions swirled in her head like leaves caught in a whirlwind as Sunset spoke about the visit to the astral plane. "When you met with shadow did you two have a fight? Did he do something terrible to you?"

"No... nothing like that..."

"What happened?"

"...He... was..." Sunset choked on her words sobbing as her tears began to flow.

"Shhhh! Let it all out," said Twilight embracing her friend with a comforting hug.

When Sunset was calm, she continued her tale. "Shadow wasn't alone... He was with Flurry Heart."

" From the name I am guessing Flurry Heart is a female?"

Sunset nodded in affirmation. "She is but... more complicated."

"Complicated how?"

"Flurry Heart is an alicorn princess from an alternate future as well as Princess Twilight's niece. Like me she is bound to Shadow by a crimson thread, and judging by her attitude I believe she is in love with him as well..."

"Oh, sweet temptations of science... that is quite the conundrum," replied Twilight her mouth agape like a cartoon character.

"Try being there in person... and talking to her," replied Sunset defeated.

"Did you two fight?"

"Kind of... but not really."

"I don't want to seem like a nag in you time of need... but can you not speak in riddles?"

"Shadow once said the same thing," said Sunset with a forlorn expression.

"Sunset?" asked Twilight, worried.

Sunset blinked, focusing on her friend. "I'm fine... I just spaced out for a second. What were we talking about?"

"You were about to tell me about you fight with Flurry Heart."

"We didn't really fight. We shared some raw emotions and Flurry Heart got between me and Shadow."

"She got confrontational?" asked Twilight defensively.

"No."

"Okay... I don't understand she was in your way. How does that not count as a confrontation?"

"Flurry did get in the way but she was only protecting Shadow."

"I am guessing you used your empathy magic on her."

"Yes."

"What cruel intentions did that slut have."

"That’s just it Twi... Flurry showed no signs of malice or negative emotions except for remorse and sadness and a hint of unwavering resolve."

"What did you do?"

"Nothing..." replied Sunset her voice quavering.

The purple unicorn adjusted her black framed glasses in agitation. "Sunset I just want you to know that You are my best friend and I will always be here for you but sometimes you just infuriate me with your stupidity. How could you just let that snobby princess walk all over you? What happened to the Sunset shimmer that fights for her friends and what she wants? I won't pretend to understand everything that is going on with your relationship with Shadow, but I refuse to sit by and let you waste away because of your idiocy. You need to talk to Shadow."

"... After what I did to him... I don't deserve..."

"Oh, boo hoo! You now must work a bit harder to win your man back. You messed up big deal. Buck up and push forward because if you don't you will regret it for the rest of your life."

Sunset winced in pain, closing her eyes.

"I am sorry if what I said hurt, but it was something you needed to hear," said Twilight with a look of concern.

"It's not that Twi... I appreciate your concern but... I think my water just broke," cried Sunset grabbing her sides.

"What do you mean your water broke? I don't see any broken glass anywhere."

Sunset screamed doubling over in pain. A pool of fluid escaped the fiery haired unicorn soaking the bed and flooding onto the floor.

"Oh, that water," stated Sci-Twi.

Twilight stared at her friend for a brief second before her eyes widened as the realization set in. "OH FRACK... THAT WATER!"

The purple unicorn stood up and began to hyperventilate as she began to panic. "Oh my, oh my, oh my... What should I do? What should I do?"

"Urrgh... Twi... now is not the time for you to be Twilighting..." groaned Sunset.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! You're going into labor and I don't know what I should do?" said Twilight ignoring Sunset.

"TWILIGHT!" screamed Sunset.

The purple mare paused, her gaze falling to Sunset. "Ah ha! I know what to do."

"That's... great... Twi... but... I... need... to... get... to... the... hospital," replied Sunset, grunting between contractions.

"Don't worry Sunset. I need to run to the library to get a book on childbirth," said Twilight disregarding her friend.

"Twilight... I hate... you..." growled Sunset, doubling over in pain.

********************

Alternate Future Crystal Empire

The castle shuddered as yelling and screaming reverberated through the halls.

"ZANY!"

"Yeouch!"

"Put down that marshmallow bomb!"

Slpat!

"You are so dead!" shouted Twinkle Sparkle.

Shadow startled, quickly sat up from all the ruckus. The air in the room crackled with a strange yet familiar energy causing the unicorn’s hair to stand up. His eyes scanned the dimly lit room trying to locate the source of his discomfort. Even when his analysis of the room came up clear, the feeling of being watched remained.

Flurry Heart stirred from Shadow's sudden movements. The alicorn opening her weary eyes stretched her aching muscles while stifling a yawn.

"Is everything alright?" asked Flurry.

"Not really... It isn't every day that you wake up to a shaking bed and loud screams."

"What do you mean?"

Before the unicorn could answer the question, a female voice echoed in the hallway on the other side of the double doors. "Zany oh Zany my love... please come out so we can talk this out peacefully." Twinkle's voice sounded so sweet and forced, that Shadow was unconvinced that she was sincere.

"If I'm not fooled by that Snart for Brains I doubt her boyfriend would be foolish enough to fall for it..."

"You would be surprised what someone will do for love," replied Flurry with a soft smile.

"Love? ... That sounds more like someone out for blood than it does love... Did you just say someone instead of somepony?" said Shadow.

"I guess after what you did to me last night... my mind may also have been altered in some way. Why is it a bad thing to say someone?"

"Not really... I like it though. You sound... more... human..." said Shadow with a vivid blush.

"Thank you, Shadow... Thank you for everything... Last night was quite special to me... It was an experience I won't soon forget..."

"Which time?" asked Shadow beaming with excitement and curiosity.

"Both..." replied Flurry timidly.

The couple sat in awkward silence blushing profusely until Flurry broke the tension.

"Shadow... Ever since we met, I knew that there was something between us... but after last night... I believe I am falling in love with you."

Shadow stared at his companion with a shocked expression. "What?"

"I don't need to know right now but... I was wondering how you feel about me?" asked Flurry, pretending that the stallion's reaction didn't affect her, even though her heart was in agony.

"I'm sorry Flurry... I never gave it much thought... I need a bit of time to think so that I can give you a proper answer."

Flurry winced before saying, "I understand... you need time to recover... from your ordeal with Sunset Shimmer..."

"That incident no longer bothers me. During my last foray on the astral plane I was given a vision from Sunset's perspective. I understand why she did what she did, and I have forgiven her for it."

"Is it a fear of betraying her then?"

"That never crossed my mind but no that isn't it either."

"I don't understand."

"Hmmm... I guess the best way to describe my thought process is that I need time to understand how I feel."

"You lost me..." said Flurry in confusion.

Chuckle

"I don't see what's so funny," chided Flurry.

"Let me rephrase my statement. Like you, when I first saw you, I felt the bond that connects us. We are bound by that crimson thread of fate. Before I can answer your question truthfully, I need to know that what I feel is genuine and not because of fate's tampering."

"Well that's just what every mare wants to hear," grumbled Flurry with sarcasm.

"Urgh! I can't take any more of this nonsense. You two are so infuriating!" griped a detached voice from the air.

The young couple surprised, jumped from the intrusion.

"ZANY!" shouted Flurry Heart.

********************

"ZANY WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM?"

"Shhhhhhhhh... Not so loud. I am hiding from Twinkle."

"In my room?"

"I know right. This is the last place she would think to look for me," replied the grey stallion popping into existence, floating in midair.

"You need to leave right now," said Flurry.

"Nope! No can do. Twinkle is on a rampage."

"You should be less afraid of your girlfriend and more worried about me," growled the alicorn.

"You have a good point Flutter Nutter. What happened in here last night... I already know the jist of it but please fill me in on all the juicy details," replied Zany with a cheshire grin and waggling his eyebrows.

"I don't know who is more annoying you or that Pinkle Tie," growled Shadow glaring daggers at the grey stallion.

"If you mean Pinkie Pie there is no contest, definitely her," quipped Zany.

"ZANY!" screamed Flurry Heart.

********************

Twinkle Sparkle wandered down the hallway muttering to herself. "Where is that lowlife boyfriend of mine hiding?"

The lavender alicorn froze just outside her cousin's room as she pondered Zany's thought processes. "If I were Lamey I would hide in the one place my girlfriend wouldn't think to look for me... and normally I would never think to check Flurry's room, but I have spent my whole life around Zany." Twinkle hesitated, glancing and the intricate gold metal patterns on the double doors. Just before she could knock a scream echoed from her cousin's inner chambers. No other confirmation needed, Twinkle unlocked the doors with alicorn magic and charged through the threshold.

"Zany you are so dead!" shouted Twinkle barging into the room.

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA?" shouted Twinkle a second time at the sight of her cousin sharing a bed with Shadow.

"I am still very much alive but if you two lamers don't stop fracking screaming then some is going to die today," chided Zany, all but forgotten by his girlfriend.

The lavender alicorn's face contorted in shock at seeing Shadow in bed next to Flurry Heart. "Flu... Flur... Flurr... Flurry... what is Shadow do... doing in your room?"

"Doesn't anyone knock anymore?" growled Flurry.

"Maybe I should go... before anything else can go wrong," said Shadow.

"No, you stay. My inconsiderate cousin and her pervert stallion need to leave," said Flurry seething.

Shadow slowly began to back away from the raging alicorn as yellow energy danced in her eyes.

"I said stay," said Flurry her voice barely a whisper.

Shadow froze in place. Gulp

Zany chuckled at the unicorn's discomfort before the princess's glared silenced him as well.

Twinkle's panicked gaze started at Flurry, then moved to Shadow followed by Zany, then halting back on her cousin.

"Oh, my Celestia, oh my Celestia, oh my Celestia.... What are we going to? What are we going to do? If Uncle Shining and Aunt Cadance find out about this... My mother will never let me, and Zany be alone together again... Maybe... maybe... maybe this is not what it seems... and... and... Shadow just happens to be... to be... to be in here," stammered Twinkle, her voice high pitched and quavering.

Twinkle's wide-eyed hysteria was enough to knock Flurry Heart out of her nightmare inducing rage. "Everything is alright Twinkle... you need to take a deep breath and calm yourself before you pass out. You are twilighting harder that your mother." The purple alicorn, reassured by her cousin's calm voice took a deep breath, inhaling the cool dry air.

"That's better dear cousin. How do you feel?" replied Flurry.

"Bet... better," squeaked Twinkle.

The area fell silent for a few seconds that felt like an eternity to those in the room.

"I am so glad that I was wrong," said Twinkle breaking the silence.

"What do you mean?" asked Flurry.

"This is so embarrassing... but I guess I deserve to be the center of ridicule for thinking that you had an intimate evening with Shadow..." said a squeamish Twinkle, blushing.

"Oh, my sweet innocent Twinkle Toes! You are not wrong at all. They did have a wild romp in the sheets last night and from what I heard it was not a onetime incident," replied Zany nonchalantly.

"WHAT?" shouted Twinkle before passing out and falling to the floor. Thud! The mare's voice effected by her alicorn magic, echoed through the castle shattering windows and causing crystals to rain down all over the royal palace. The ruckus caused by Twinkle and her stallion was commonplace around the castle and ignored by the palace guards unless they were commanded to intervene. This time the situation was different and a new one for all who were presently in the castle. Shining Armor followed by his wife Cadance, gathered three dozen guards and headed to the source of the disturbance.

********************

The royal couple galloped through the halls, fear and panic driving them forward. Shining Armor expecting the worst skidded to a halt followed by the rest, in front of the open door to Flurry's chambers. The Captain of the Royal Guard glanced into the room. His eyes passing over the four young adults. Shining's gaze lingered on Shadow and Flurry. "Which of you is my daughter?"

"I am right here father," replied Flurry as herself.

"Oh, thank Celestia!" came the reply as he stared at Shadow.

"This won't end well," muttered Shadow his voice barely a whisper.

Not hearing the retort Shining spoke. "Since you have been here anything that has gone wrong has you involved. Tell me why that is?"

Cadance stepped passed her husband, her gaze soaking in the sight of her passed out niece. "What happened to Twinkle?"

Zany panicked, looked to Flurry and Shadow for help. Cadance ever the perceptive one noticed the exchange. The princess's bright purple eyes examined her daughter and Shadow for a moment and then widened with realization. "Shining honey, please dismiss the guards and escort your niece to the medical wing so that she can be checked out." Flurry Heart's gaze lingered on her mother. The whole time Cadance spoke her cold steely gaze remained on the young couple sitting in bed.

"She knows" whispered Flurry to Shadow.

Shadow's eyes gazed into Flurry's blue ones as he nodded his understanding. The little exchange didn't go unnoticed as Cadance sighed with a deeper understanding as well as a hint of disappointment. "Zany."

"Ye... yes ma'am," said Zany without any humor.

"Please go with Twinkle and Shining," replied Canance's calm and cool voice.

Knowing better than to argue with an angry mother, Zany nodded in agreement and quickly dashed out of the room following the guards.

********************

Princess Cadance focused her royal visage towards Shadow. I need to have a little heart to heart with my daughter and you are not needed. You may leave." Shadow shrank back as Cadance's steely gaze pierced his soul. Flurry Heart placed her left front hoof over his. The lite pink alicorn followed the gesture with a reassuring smile. "With all due respect Cadance, whatever you have to say to Flurry pertains to the both of us. We made our choices together and acted upon them. I will remain by her side until she tells me otherwise," replied Shadow mustering up his resolve. Flurry's eyes watered while her heart raced with warmth at his words. Cadance gave Shadow a quick once over as her scowl softened a bit.

"Although I am not happy with how this little relationship progressed, I can truly say that you have my support. Shadow, you choose wisely and passed my test."

"What do you mean I passed the test?"

"Flurry Heart may be strong willed and hard to deal with but she is my most precious treasure. I need to know that her special sompony will look after no matter what."

"Now I am curious what if I had chosen to leave?" asked Shadow a little relieved.

"I may be the Princess of Love, but I am a mother first and foremost. We can always test that theory," said Cadance with wicked grin.

"Not necessary mother. Shadow has enough problems to deal with now and we don't need you adding to the list" chided Flurry.

"Oh, Floopy Dear... I was just having a bit of fun..." said Cadance with a pouty facade while taking note that her daughter had said "we don't."

"MOM!" shouted Flurry her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Shadow release a loud snicker at Flurry's reaction to the nick name.

"It not funny Shadow..."

"I am never going to forget this moment," whispered Shadow with a smile.

"If this gets out you are going to wish you stayed on the astral plane," growled Flurry.

Shadow just laughed all the harder at Flurry's discomfort.

"Ahem" replied Cadance clearing her throat. "On a more serious note are you two prepared for the alterations this little tryst may cause."

"Whatever happens, happens Mother! We will not discuss this matter any further."

"Fine... Fine. Before I drop the matter, I just want you to know your choices always have repercussions no matter how small they may seem. The first one being your father. He doesn't have my powers of love so he will be less forgiving of Shadow."

No sooner had the words left her mouth when the familiar voice of Shining Armor responded from behind. "What about me?" The Captain of the Royal Guard stepped back into the room. All eyes focused on Shining. The white stallion looked at all the weird looks as his gaze fell onto the young couple in bed. It took several seconds before the scene registered with Shining but when it did his demeanor darkened.

"Why is this son of a stinking knave in bed with Flurry? Did he defile her?" said Shining with voice as tempered as forged iron.

"Shining, honey you need to calm down and follow me."

"Not happening Mi Amore Cadenza... You can't sweet talk me down this time," growled Shining.

The alicorn of love flinched at her husband's use of her full name.

"This has nothing to do with your father. My life is my own to live," replied Flurry Heart.

"Be silent Flurry Heart!" replied Shining with a glare.

"Flurry is right! Our affairs have nothing to do with you," stated Shadow.

Shining affixed his stare to the lite blue unicorn. "You have no right to speak scum. I let you stay in my home unaccosted and you repay me by throwing my hospitality back into my face by defiling my daughter. I find you guilty of crimes against the Crystal Empire and under the laws of Equestria, written by Princess Celestia I charge you with treason. You are hereby under arrest."

Shadow felt the stirrings of emotion as purple fire appeared in his eyes. "Frack Me! This isn't going to end well..." thought Shadow.

"Unaccosted, hah okay... whatever you have to say to make yourself feel better. For the record I am not a citizen of Equestria nor am I native to your dimension. Oh, and your precious Celestia is a stuck-up prude and if her laws are just as biased as she is then you and that bitch of a princess can go and frack yourselves," scoffed Shadow returning the glare.

"GUARDS!" shouted Shining.

"I am warning you right now, you don't want to push me further and make things worse," responded Shadow the tone of his voice taking on an ethereal quality.

"Threatening royalty? You will regret your actions. The time for talk is over either come quietly or I will use force."

"You really want to go there?" replied Shadow with his eerie monotone voice.

"I do."

"If Celestia couldn't beat me what makes you think you have a chance?" challenged Shadow.

"There is only one way to find out."

"I gave you a fair warning... You will only have yourself to blame with all the deaths!" stated Shadow.

The air in the room grew stifling as the oxygen was consumed, giving life to the flame of Shadow's nightmare form.

"Shadow..."

"Don't worry Flurry I am currently in control..."

Flurry, feeding off Shadow's aura felt her own changes happen, due to her father’s unreasonable actions. The static in the air crackled with yellow lightning as Flurry felt herself begin to grow with her own nightmare transformation.

"Mother! Get him out of here before it we do something we cannot repair," stated Flurry, her expression contorting in pain.

The sound of cracking bones and flesh grated on Candance's ears as she watched in abject horror as her baby began to change and enlarge right in front of her.

"M... O...M... NOW!" roared Flurry one last time.

Afraid, Cadance nodded with understanding, used her alicorn magic, whisking Shining armor to another part of the empire. "Done... now please calm yourselves."

Shadow slowly drew in a few deep breaths, finding his inner harmony while Flurry Heart struggled to calm, he transformation. Shrinking down to his normal size Shadow focused his astral essence on Flurry, relieving her of the nightmare rage.

"Thank you..." said Flurry her voice barely audible.

"Anytime..." Shadow started to respond but was interrupted as glowing chains appear looping around him and shackling him in place.

"Shadow!" shouted Flurry Heart trying to assist her companion but was hindered by her own set of matching chains. Flurry glanced to Cadance. The older alicorn's eyes were closed, her aura glowing brightly as her spell finished. "Mother what is the meaning of this?" growled Flurry, glowering.

"The astral bonding you two shared just now is to dangerous and unpredictable. Until you can control your magical flare ups you and Shadow must be separated and until I can settle matters with your father you will be contained to your room while Shadow spends sometime in the dungeon with the other one. This is the only compensation that I can grant you both while Shining is being this hardheaded."

"Hardheaded? Cadance your ASS of a husband was trying to kill me... My nightmare transformation is a self-defense mechanism that I can't always turn off... Shining stepped out of line not Flurry and I."

"I know... but as a wife and a lover I must see things from my spouse's point of view as well. From his perspective you two were in the wrong... That is why I am giving you both the least punishment that I can..."

“Magic binding chain's mother? You know they don't hold for long," scoffed Flurry, lightning crackling in her eyes.

Candance gave her daughter a sorrowful expression. "I know honey and with your magic amplified by Shadow, I doubt they will last much longer. They are only a precaution so that the guards may escort Shadow to the dungeon."

"That isn't right, and you know it" shouted Flurry through tear-stricken eyes.

"Out of site out of mind and with Shadow contained your father will settle down so I can talk to him about your unique relationship with Shadow."

"NOOOOOOOOO!"

"FLURRY HEART!" said Shadow calmly.

The crying alicorn gazed into Shadow's eyes. "But... but..."

"It will be alright... Cadance knows what she is doing. I trust her so have faith in your mother."

Flurry silently nodded.

"Guards!"

Several golden amor clad ponies entered the room.

"Please escort our guest to the dungeons and be gentle about it... If I hear otherwise you will not have a good day."

Candance gave her daughter a tear-filled nod of her own, closing the doors and sealing Flurry in the room behind her with alicorn magic.

"I WILL REMEMBER THIS BETRAYAL ALWAYS!" roared Flurry.

Complications of the Heart! Part 2

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

The dungeon house blues!

Crystal Empire, Alternate Future

Shadow chained and shackled was led deeper into the bowels of the castle by four guards. One in the front of and behind Shadow with the other two flanking his left and right sides. The dimly lit walls were ensconced with torches every six feet. The scene was surreal and unmoving until the small group passed, causing torch flames to flicker and sputter. The darker the corridor got the more the air grew stagnant and damp. A chill crept into his bones causing Shadow to shiver.

"You should be grateful! Princess Cadance is a benevolent ruler. Had you been in Canterlot Princess Celestia would have punished you for your treason," said the female guard standing to Shadow's left.

"Hehe!" chuckled Shadow.

"Do you find something amusing, scum?" asked the guard from the right.

"Surprisingly, I do."

"Care to enlighten us?" chided the female guard from the left.

"Not really! Trying to explain something to dumb asses such as yourselves is a waste of brain power," said Shadow, nonchalantly.

"Try me," hissed the guard lowering her spear so that the tip was a centimeter from the shackled unicorn's nose.

Unfazed, Shadow shrugged. "I find it laughable that you dolts would think that I am afraid of Celestia. The last time I saw that old shrew, she was eating dirt after she challenged me and weakness breeds stupidity," sneered Shadow.

"Watch your tongue, scum. I will not tolerate your insolence against Princess Celestia," growled the left guard, thrusting her spear into Shadow's rear flank.

The young stallion winced slightly, glaring at the guard. "Cadance said unharmed!"

"Too bad for you we report directly to Captain Armor," sneered the rear guard.

Shadow bit his cheeks, cutting off his retort. "Now isn't the time," screamed his rational side.

Mistaking the young stallion's silence as a sign of surrender the left guard forcefully shoved Shadow forward. "Good boy!"

Shadow, eyes gleaming with violet flames glared at the guard causing her to momentarily flinch.

********************

Little light filtered through the metal bars casting shadows across the cell walls. Ira lay wallowing in her own filth wondering where everything in her life went wrong.

"Is this the right choice? ... What if Aubree is correct and there is another way? ... NO! Revenge is all I know, all ... I ... have ... left."

The fuchsia unicorn stomped her hoof, full of determination and defiance. "This damn collar is chafing, cutting off circulation to my brain. I will not be swayed by the words of a traitor. I refuse to curl up and die." Iridescent rubbed the raw area of her neck where the metal bindings bit into her flesh. The time spent entombed in the darkness beneath the castle left the unicorn weak and powerless. The constant, cold dampness had seeped into her causing Ira to go numb. The only thing keeping the unicorn going were her thoughts of revenge but with her chains binding her magic Ira was stuck. The sound of voices echoed through the cell, interrupting her thoughts. Ira squinted, as a painful light appeared from the entrance to the dungeon. Metal keys clinked and jangled in the lock as the metallic wooden door creaked open. Ira felt stronger somehow as energy seeped into her from an unknown source. Eyes adjusting to the stinging light the unicorn's luck was about to change.

********************

Aubree landed on the balcony outside the window. Sensing the magic warding off intruders, the alicorn summoned forth a bit of her own magic. Like the gentle caress of a kiss Aubree let her power go. Her magic flowed into the seal weaving through its magical blueprint. Seconds later the structure of the formulae broke down, shattering the seal.

"It would seem all of those boring magic lessons paid off after all" giggled, the alicorn. No longer impeded Aurora unlocked the window. With a gentle nudge Aubree entered. Warm sunlight bathed the room in front of the young mare with brilliance. The scenery held the illusion of peace and tranquility. Sensing the magical traps and alarms, Aubree knew better. "Damn this place is more protected than the Canterlot National Bank during the holidays."

An icy blue glow illuminated her horn, releasing a fine magical mist. Several areas released the same bluish color revealing where all the obstructions lay waiting for the unfortunate soul who triggered them without permission. "Wow someone really doesn't want anyone in here. I wish Ira was here, I suck at making plans... and I really can't afford to alert the powers that be."

Aubree scanned the area. Thirty paces to her right was the double doors glowing a brilliant blue, leading out of the room. "You would think the seals on the window would be stronger than the one on the door, okie dokie lokie." The alicorn released a soft giggle as she was reminded of her aunt Pinkie Pie. Centered, with the headboard against the wall to her left Aubree found who she was looking for, Flurry Heart asleep on the bed.

Aubree made her way around the traps, disenchanting only the ones that impeded her. Every spell she erased was one more alarm that would alert whoever cast the spells in the first place. Reaching her objective, The alicorn lowered her head, whispering.

"Flurry Heart! Flurry Heart! Airstorm One to Flurry heart, hello."

Snoring

"Damn it all! Why is nothing ever easy?"

The young mare gave the sleeping princess a shake and nudge. Flurry, unfazed remained asleep.

"She must be under a sleep spell." Aurora Breeze scanned the princess with her magic. The sleeping form exuded a bright blue aura like the spells scattered around the room.

"Just as I thought" sighed Aubree.

"If I break the spell now guards would surely swarm in from outside."

The young mare scratched her head in thought.

"Ah ha, that might work."

Her horn glowed an icy blue ripping a small tear in reality. The sleeping Flurry Heart, bed and Aubree were consumed by the anomaly, wrapping them in darkness.

"Ceres lights, please!"

A disembodied voice replied, "sure thing."

The dark space was illuminated bathing the alicorns with simulated natural light.

"Thank you very much Ceres."

A voice responded on Aubree's left from a wood table. "You are most welcome."

"I love technology," chimed Aurora.

Focusing on Flurry Heart the young mare attempted to dispel the sleep aura. Upon release the counter spell popped like a fire cracker, rebounding off Flurry as a lightning bolt. The reflected spell hit Aubree in the posterior, eliciting a yep of pain from the alicorn. "What the shit?" scoffed Aubree rubbing the burnt spot with her right hoof.

"Why does everything have to be so difficult..."

The young mare repeated the spell, leading to the same result.

Aubree sat down next to the sleeping princess, annoyed.

"Damn it, magic is Ira's specialty not mine. There has to be away..."

Aubree thought about what Ira would do. "Start from the beginning and retrace your steps." The young mare played back the entire encounter.

"A focused spell won't work, but I was able to physically touch her. Neither method worked. What am I missing?"

"Think outside the box you dope," said an imaginary Ira.

"Even in my mind she berates me, but that could work," chimed, Aubree.

Aurora lowed her head, touching her horn to Flurry's. A bright light lit up the room, winking out just as fast.

********************

Iridescent squinted through the piercing light as two guards stepped in, followed by another pony trailed by two more guards. The unicorn's eyes widened at the newcomer.

"He's here," thought Ira.

Shadow passed under the stone entryway, entering the dungeon. The air reeked of rotten excrement. The stallion choked on his vomit as the stench assaulted his senses. Shadow stepped away from the guards retching as he dry heaved. Little pools of fluid dripped to the cold floor as beads of sweat soaked his brow.

"Would you look at that. Mr. big shot can't stand a little stink," teased one of the guards, eliciting a chuckle from her fellows.

"Smell, smell, you call that a little smell? that is the stench of rot and decay you freak," growled Shadow.

"Watch your tongue, scum," chided the same mare stabbing her spear into Shadow's side.

"Do that one more time, you shit ass and your carcass will join that smell," threatened Shadow, violet flames dancing in his eyes.

"You want to challenge us," replied the second guard lowering his spear tip towards the unicorn.

The sound of chains stretching taunt echoed off the walls as a strained raspy voice interrupted the group.

"Don't you dare! That piece of shit is mine to kill!"

Shadow along with the guards looked at the cell where the feminine voice came from.

Shadow's eyes widened in surprise as green, glowing, flames illuminated Iridescent Dusk.

"Frack me!" sighed Shadow.

********************

Dreams flow like a river, ever changing, never stopping. A young mother cries handing over her daughter to a pair of strangers. "Nova Shine please forgive me!" Images and voices continue to meander on, riding the passage of time. Ever changing never stopping.

********************

The blurry image of a girl appeared, fading in and out. Eyes blinked as the girl spoke, jarring Flurry Heart awake.

"Flurry Heart, Flurry heart, Flurryyyyy Heart wake uppppp" sang the voice.

Hhhnn! Wha... what?"

"It's about time you, lazy head."

"What are you talking about?" asked Flurry dazed.

"You were asleep for quite a while. I almost didn't think that you would wake up here either."

"Here? Where am I?"

"On the astral plane."

"Sha... dow?"

"Errrnt! Not even close but that is one reason I am here."

Flurry blinked, shaking away the grogginess. The figure blurred speaking gibberish that Flurry couldn't discern.

"Stop moving, so I can see you."

"I'm not moving. I am sitting right here you, goofball."

"Twinkle?"

"Wrong again."

"Stop playing games with me Zany. My head is pounding."

"O for three Princess."

Flurry glared at the moving images before her, concentrating. Finally, the images solidified into a single girl. Her vibrant ruby eyes twinkled as she smiled back. Her long flowing blue hair streaked with silver curled at the ends stopping just below her shoulders. Flurry recognized the voice and the features of the human seemed familiar.

"Who? ... Aubree? Oh, my dear Celestia!" shouted Flurry Heart raising her hands, backing away in fear. The young woman paused, raising her hands. "Hands? ... Am I human again?"

"Again?" asked the girl sitting across from her.

"Yes. Last time I was in this place... Shadow..." replied Flurry Blushing.

"The moment of conception!" teased the girl.

The Princess gazed up from her pastel pink fingers at her companion. The girl was dressed in a yellow blouse and an indigo skirt. Her infectious smile drained away Flurry's fear.

"Is that you Aubree?" asked Flurry reaching out her right hand to touch the girl.

Aurora grasped the princess's offered appendage with her left hand, placing it at the side of her face. "Yea, I am here."

Flurry felt the damp warmth of tears between her fingers. Her hand, taking on a mind of its own, stroked Aubree's tear stained cheek, comforting the girl.

"Why am I compelled to do this?" thought Flurry, choking back tears of her own.

********************

"Oh, look the other scum wants a piece of you as well. You really get around," said the female guard jabbing Shadow with her spear, again.

"HE IS MINE TO TORTURE, BITCH!" roared Ira.

The unicorn's restraints grated and groaned as magical metal began to sizzle and peel from the wall. one of the male guards stood slack jawed at what was happening.

"How is she doing that? Those bindings are made to impede magic."

"Don't just stand there! Suppress the prisoner!" shouted the female guard shoving Shadow aside.

The lite blue stallion crashed against the wall and crumpled to the floor.

"What the hell?" growled Shadow.

The four guards unlocking the cell, rushed in spears first. Iridescent hiss in pain as metal bit into flesh. Old wounds dripped blood onto the stone floor, anew. Not knowing why Shadow felt compelled to help the mare who wanted him dead.

"Don't you dare touch her!" The rear female guard, whom had berated Shadow the whole trek turned to face the unicorn.

"Would you look at that the scum has a crush on the prisoner. You really are a heathen. Did you rape the unicorn, like you did to Princess Flurry Heart?"

Shadow glared in defiance; restraints released. "Repercussions be damned! I don't care!" Energy flared up, flames erupted, surrounding Shadow. while on the other side of the guards Ira consumed the flowing energy as green flames joined the violet.

"It's over! Echoed both ethereal voices.

Author's Note

Here it is the next chapter after months. Life happend and between work and college It has been rough. I have some good scenese for the next chapter so I should be working on it soon. As always, feel free to coment and enjoy.

Fight or flight!

Author's Note

Here it is folks the next chapter. As always please feel free to comment. Likes dislikes, changes you want to see and even just to say hi or tell me my writing sucks 😄

Fight or flight!

Fight or Flight

Astral Plane

"I really don't know what has come over me," sniffed Aubree, wiping away her tears.

Flurry Heart, using her right index finger caught a crystal droplet from Aubree's soaked cheek. "It happens to the best of us." Aubree answered with a silent head nod and a few sniffles.

"What are we doing here, Aubree?"

The young woman paused to collect herself before answering. "You were cursed with a sleeping spell. I couldn't wake you up with normal means. So, I did what Ira would do and thought outside the box." Aubree's voice faltered as she spoke about Ira. New tears began to brim at the corners of her eyes.

"Isn't this a bit far outside the box for a simple sleep cantrip?" said Flurry with a slight smile. The princess raised the crestfallen face of Aubree with her right hand. Flurry gazed into the young woman's ruby pools. The raw emotion in Aubree's eyes stirred something primal within Flurry Heart. Attraction? Something more...

"Magic isn't my forte... Ira on the other hand is a natural," said Aurora, eyes downcast.

"I will keep that in mind..." Silence... Don't sell yourself short you are more magically inclined than you think." Flurry scratched her head, nervously. "I owe you my gratitude... thanks for your help."

Aubree nodded, "I did what I could."

Flurry cocked her head to the left placing her right index finger on her chin, contemplating. "I don't want to seem ungrateful but why were you looking for me?"

"Aunt Twinkle and her pink haired friend mentioned Shadow. She said I should talk to you."

"Aunt Twinkle? ..."

Aubree flinched, squinting her left eye." Oh um... I have and Aunt Twinkle... It's a common mistake."

"Uh huh..." grunted Flurry.

Seconds passed, both women standing in silence. Suddenly, Flurry's eyes widened like a cartoon character. "SHADOW!" Panicking, Flurry began to fade, into stardust.

"Flurry Heart! Calm down, please."

Aubree's plea echoed in the starry void.

"Damn it all!"

Sigh Aubree blinked out, following the princess. Returning to her physical body at the speed of light, Aubree stumbled to the floor of her pocket dimension with a loud crash. The yellow alicorn tumble end over end crashing into the small wooden nightstand. The cell phone on the surface clattered to the floor, several cracks spider-ed across the glass screen. "Frack me! That hurt..." wined Aubree rubbing her head with her left hoof. The young mare stood only to be knocked down by Flurry heart.

"What is this place? I need to get out of here!" shouted Flurry, frantic.

"Damn it, Flurry Heart! Calm down..." Aubree righted herself. "I have enough issues walking in this form. ... I don't need you making it worse..." grumbled the yellow alicorn.

"Help me find a way out of here, Aubree."

"NO!"

"What do you mean no?" scoffed Flurry, ceasing.

"I said no. ... You are in no condition to go anywhere."

"YOU WILL LET ME OUT, NOW!" shouted Flurry, using her royal voice.

Aubree flinched, reflexively. "THE HELL I WILL!" responded Aurora with a matching voice.

"Who do you think you are?"

"Not one of your subjects, Princess!"

"W... what?" replied Flurry, taken aback.

Now I know how Ira feels when she is talking to me... I really should apologize...

"As I already said. You are in no condition to charge halfcocked into danger."

"I'm perfectly fine!"

Aubree walked over to the pink alicorn, shoving her. Flurry stumbled back, collapsing to the floor. "See! The sleep spell has lingering effects. You can barely stand on your own four legs."

"I thought... you were on my side..."

"I' am on your side, Flurry Heart. I can't watch you and fight off the enemies at the same time. The moment I drop my pocket dimension, we will probably be swarmed by the castle guards and mages."

Growl "There is no other choice."

"What do you mean?"

"They took Shadow to the dungeon... Where your sister is at."

"Oh shit."

********************

Shadow bathed in violet flames attacked the mare who had assaulted him. The guard panicking at the sudden change that came over her captive, lunged with her spear. The move, incredibly slow in Shadow's altered state was easily side stepped. The stallion scored a hit on the guard's right flank with his extended horn. The mare's flesh erupted with blood followed the smell of cooked meat as her wound was cauterized at the same time. The guard scream in pain dropping her spear from the searing pain. The enraged nightmare sensing the lapse in strength, capitalized on it. Violet flames flared up, ready to turn the cowering mare to ashes.

"Wait! not like this..." cried a voice from inside Shadow's mind.

Shadow fueled by Ira's raging energy roared with defiance. "SHE MUST DIE!" The nightmare eyes closed lashed at the disembodied voice. His right hoof connected with the guard mare's head, leaving a hoof print seared on the side of her face. The guard collapsed to the stone floor unconscious.

"Open you mind... Let in the calm. Only you can quell the rage... Be a role model for Ira..."

"Who are you? What are you doing in my mind?"

"Now is not the time... I..."

Watching his comrade fall the closest guard turn to face Shadow. Seeing the nightmare's internal struggle, attacked. The voice in his mind stopped as Shadow was brought back to reality. Hissing from the pain Shadow knocked the spear aside with his left hoof, setting it on fire. The violet flames trailed up the wooden shaft burning the hooves holding it. The Stallion dropped the weapon, blowing in his burnt appendages. He paused as the nightmare's shadow fell over him. Shadow's blazing glare etched heart stopping fear into the guard's soul. The scent of warm urine assailed his nostrils as a stream of yellow trickled down his hind legs. The stallion's survival instincts kicked just in time. Just as the nightmare's hooves came crashing down the guard turned around and bolted for the exit. Shadow's hooves impacted on the floor sending up a shower of splintering stone, where the guard stood seconds ago. Shadow snapped to attention at the commotion coming from the cell.

"DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" shrieked Iridescent over and over. Assaulting the final two guards. The green nightmare's flames were so intense the spear heads melted to slag. The guards dropped what remained of their armaments, turning to flee. Ira was having none of that. Her violet horn glowed green. A wall of blazing green fire blocked off their retreat. Iridescent grinned maliciously as she stalked forward like a predator on the hunt. With each step she took the brighter her green flames became and the more feral she became. Her once delicate furl became more ridged and spiked like hundreds of sharp needles. Her bones popped and realigned as her body began to grow and contort into something evil.

Shadow feeling the immense change in the flow of energy, paused. The stallion was overcome with excitement as Ira's aura fed into him as his fed into her. He felt the changes to his physical body. With what little rationality he had left he charged through green fire wall. Shadow taking the attack, rear kicked the guards through the searing hot flames. Singed and frightened the guards ran, screaming as the escaped the dungeon.

Ira overcome with the urge to kill, pounced. Her fangs bit into flesh but not the tender meat she craved. Instead, she tasted the ethereal essence of Shadow. The stallion fought back the pain, trying to keep his sanity. Being near Ira was speeding up the feral transformations. With a final desperate roar there was a blast of concentrated violet and green energy. The foundations of the castle shook from the ethereal force. Time stood still. Flames ebbed as the nightmares slowly shrank back to what passed as a pair of unicorns. Shadow and Ira collapsed to the ground unconscious.

The life of a game designer!

Author's Note

I grew up with g1 of MLP and to this day I still collect them. This past couple of years gen4 FIM has entered my life and after reading The Daughter of discord universe and lunajack's Zany and Twinkle adventures I have found a spot to place my OC Shadow Lulamoon. "But wait author Shadow is human and is in the Equestria Girls universe." Ah semantics just sit back and enjoy the story.

Anyways please feal free to comment and critique my fimfic. This is the first chapter to I hope will be several chapters. Life happens so until next time...

The life of a game designer!

Normally Shadow would be woken out of a sound sleep by his cell phone alarm but last night the eighteen-year-old had pulled another all niter while working on the digital version of Ogres and Oubliettes. This morning was different, Shadow was so engrossed in what he had been doing, he had forgotten to set his alarm. The young man sat hunched over in his chair face pressed uncomfortably into the keyboard of his computer while a little drool dripped from his mouth as he slept. Shadow, deep in sleep never heard his bedroom door open as his sister sauntered in.

"Hey doofus wake up," came the high-pitched voice of Trixie.

Shadow's head leapt off the computer desk so fast he lost his balance falling out of the computer chair and spilling out onto the floor.

"What the heck...Trixie don't you even knock anymore?"

"Not when it comes to Trixie's precious little brother, Shady Wady!" said the older sibling making a baby face and smiling down at her brother.

"Little? We are twins and the same age remember?"

"Potato, tomato."

"That is not... never mind you are just a Snart for brains anyways what is the point," came the cold reply from Shadow as he stood up running his hand through his shoulder length violet hair.

"The great and powerful Trixie is too cute and important to be such an insulting thing from a lame game."

"Third person need I say more," came the retort.

"Whatever Mr. Negativity see if the..."

"Don't... just... don't for my sanity," said Shadow holding his left hand in front of his sister interrupting.

"Hmph see if Trixie ever looks out for your wellbeing again."

"Alright what happened? Did the great and powerful Stinksie get booed off the stage for another faksie show? You never cared about me or what I did before now?"

"No doofus... the great and powerful Trixie does not get booed offstage."

"Ah so you tossed one of your lame, smoke pellets, couldn't see, tripped and fell off the stage and want me to hack into the internet and remove some incriminating footage of your Snart brainedness!"

The young woman's face started to contort in anger with his rude and blatant remarks.

"No... wait you can do that... Trixie means no and no. the great... ahem. I just wanted to be a helpful big sister," said Trixie quickly changing to first person with Shadow's glaring scowl.

"Help pa hah... You? You want something! But what is your angle this time big SIS?"

"There you go again with your negativity."

"Because I am right."

"Whatever! Oh, and just so you know Principle Celestia notified Mother last night of your unexcused absences," said Trixie with a haughty smile.

"I don't care! What is your point Stinksie?"

"Trixie's point Shady Wady is that Mother has to work long hours and has tasked me with making sure your rump goes to school."

"Not interested! The thought of being around Snart for brained students especially you, makes me queasy to my stomach. Besides I have important work to do here... so I refuse."

"Whahaha you call playing games... hahhaha... haha... work? Stop making Trixie laugh little brother," said Trixie wiping tears from her eyes.

"It is work Trixie! The company pays me money to write the code for their digital version of Ogres and Oubliettes. So, if earning a paycheck isn't work to you then your really are a Snart for brains."

By now Shadow was starting to get angry and his normal calm and collected demeanor
was starting to fade.

Normally Trixie would keep arguing with her twin but when it came to "that game" thought the young woman it was the only thing in his life that gave him any drive and motivation. It was his reason for existing. After everything the Lulamoon twins have been through Trixie hadn't the heart to break her brother... yet.

"Well dear Shadow refusal is not an option," came the nonchalant reply.

"How so?" asked Shadow inquisitively, raising his right eyebrow.

"You need all of this to be able to continue working," said Trixie with a serious expression and slowly raising her hands to the room they stood in, proving her point.

"And Mother pays for everything," she continued when no response came.

"Not really..."

"Ah eh eh eh! Before you say you can pay for everything on your own, I know for a fact that you have only been skipping for a month now. And if Trixie is right! Which Trixie always is! You have not yet earned enough money to buy your work necessities," said Trixie slowly shaking her head and waggling her left finger side to side in front of her brother's face.

"Grrr... I hate when you are right," muttered shadow.

"You and the Great and powerful Trixie have too much at stake to not obey," said the young woman pretending not to hear her brother but smiling inwardly at her triumph.

"Ah so that's your angle. If I don't listen to you, I lose out on my working from home and Mother takes something from you? But what?"

"It doesn't matter, you have to obey Trixie because if you don't your life will have a severe setback," said Trixie quickly changing the topic.

"So, let me get this straight I go back to school, and you babysit me the whole time? Like when we were kids?"

"No Shady!"

"As usual you speak nonsense."

Trixie changed her posture placing her left hand on her trim waste, pointing her right index finger into the air.

"For being such a know it all you certainly can't read between the lines, hmph and you call Trixie a Snart for brains," said Trixie with a impish smile, winking at her brother.

"Get to the point!"

"Fine... fine Shadow! Mother specifically said that Trixie was to make sure you go to school and don't leave until school is out for the day. Trixie doesn't have time to play games with you anymore so what you do with your time while in attendance doesn't concern Trixie," said the young woman dropping her smile.

"Besides maybe if you drop the whole, I am smarter than you attitude you may actually have something in common or even have fun with someone else."

Trixie heard a "I am smarter," and "I doubt it," being muttered.

"Trixie can't hear Shadow!"

"Fine... I will go."

"Good meet Trixie downstairs in ten minutes," replied Trixie, smiling once again.

For all of her annoyances Shadow realized his sister had brought up a valid point and for the first time in quite a while he was thankful, she was his sister. " But I will never tell her that," he thought to himself. With a defeated "sigh!" Shadow began to gather his school things.

Trixie quickly turned from her brother dropping the smiling facade. Tears began to stream down her cheeks as sadness washed over the young woman.

"What you don't realize Shady you Snart for brains is that Mother plans to send you away if you don't improve... and Trixie can't lose you as well..." "Sniffle!"

********************

The game Ogres and Oubliettes held a special meaning in both of their hearts. While both parents were busy working the twins were left in the care of the house staff. They never misbehaved so the staff member in charge that evening left the twins to do what they wanted. When mom and dad left for work, they would wish the twins sweet dreams. Upon the closing of the door it was time for adventure. Trixie donned the title "The Great and Powerful Trixie" and was a wizard in the game world while shadow took on the guise of Alex Iscander a daring rogue. Life was good they were a happy family. But fate had other plans. Mother buried her grief, worked longer hours, let go of most of the staff except for a single maid and left the twins to themselves. Mother had one rule get an education and don't screw up. Trixie, broken started referring to herself in the third person and took up stage magic as her passion. The young woman became the more responsible twin in her eyes. Shadow drained inward becoming cold and collected. The younger twin took to his studies excelling at classes and soon getting board. He never socialized except when forced to. Those he deemed "Snart for brains" were ignored. Trixie was the exception she always made sure her brother could never completely shut her out but even then, he showed little emotions to her. The game was his vise. So, after studying computer technology and programing, Shadow excelled it the IT field. Mother scoffed at such childish nonsense. So, shadow went behind her back and emailed the company behind his childhood game and after many long discussions he was given an online internship.

Trixie watched her brother power down his machines and thought to herself "Trixie refuses to give up on you and that's why Trixie... I will do everything in my power to bring new meaning into your existence." whispered the elder twin wiping away her tears. With new resolve Trixie left Shadow.

********************

Equestria, world inhabited by ponies,

"Mother I refuse! I can't be what you want me to be!"

"Floopy dear you don't really have a choice. You were born an alicorn princess of Equestria," said the elder alicorn trying to calm her daughter.

"That is not true mother being an alicorn princess doesn't matter. Past actions speak louder than titles and I refuse to accept your finalities as truth. And stop calling me floopy dear! I am not a foal anymore mother," shouted the alicorn princess.

"Fine Flo... Let’s just hope your cousin's visit will help you improve," came the mother's dejected response.

Absolutes and Finalities!

Author's Note

Hello to all of my readers I am happy to say here is the new chapter. Some readers have mentioned how dark things are getting 😄. I should say don't worry and things will get better but I won't you will just have to continue reading. I do have a plan for everything the pieces have already started to fall into place.

Wow I can't believe I am twelve chapters into an mlp fanfic.The chapter is longer than most of them but I had to fit it all into this one chapter to get to the desird ending.

The main story has now finally reached the point of where Starswirl tells those gathered about the new threat to Equestria. So please read my two short stories Stella's bleeding heart! and Threads and connections! to get a better understanding of what is going on. Going forward the main story will fill in most of the forshadowing I have placed in them. So as always author signing out and as usual please comment subscribe and enjoy. See you all in the Future!

Absolutes and Finalities!

Living creatures exist with limitations and finalities, either by nature or self-imposed. Beings with a higher capacity for knowledge are blessed or cursed depending on who you ask. These individuals have the ability to look beyond the binds of limitations and possibly even finalities. Fate gives and takes. Sometimes taking more than giving. Some causalities are created with the shattering of hopes and dreams. As long as a tiny fragment exists the impossible becomes possible. Fate creates anew an Iridescent Dusk.

********************

The sun was setting on the western horizon it's orange glow slowly diminishing and giving way for the Moon. The once blue sky was aglow with darkened orange hues.

"Magic hour," said Sunset as she watched the orange sphere drop below the mountains. The fiery maned unicorn paused just outside Twilight's crystal castle to gaze at the sky. Sunset's aqua colored eyes exuded a prism effect as the fading sunlight refracted across her watery pools. "For some reason the sunset's in Equestria pale in comparison to those in the human world but are still amazing." Sunset released a sigh as she was filled with nostalgia.

"Also known as dusk, the bewitching hour and lastly Twilight." Twilight chimed in with a whimsical smile.

"You had to go there huh Twi?" said Sunset smiling.

Twilight standing in front of her castle doors just smiled and winked at her friend.

Shadow remained silent, grinning from ear to ear as he watched Sunset.

"What?" asked Sunset glancing at her companion.

"Nothing..." said Shadow shrugging.

"Not nothing. Spill it Shady!"

"I was just thinking how cute you look when you're being all sappy and nerdy."

Sunset blushed at her friend’s words. Th... thanks..."

"Come on you two. There will be plenty of time later to break the sexual tension. Take a few minutes to compose yourselves. Then come in and join every pony else in the friendship map room," said Twilight with a mischievous smile.

********************

Twilight entered the conference with the sounds of familiar voices reverberating off the crystal walls.

"We need to know our enemy! Please fill us in Starswirl," said Princess Celestia using her regal voice.

"Celestia is right but I believe we should wait for Shadow Lulamoon and Sunset Shimmer," said Twilight.

"Ah Twilight I am glad you made it back," said Celestia.

"Thanks."

"So how was your trip?"

"Oh fine, fine... It was a bit intense... but nothing burned down or anything like that," said Twilight awkwardly rubbing the back of her head while avoiding Celestia's eyes.

"I see... So Is Sunset Shimmer with you?" asked Celestia holding her stern expression.

"I am here Princess Celestia," said Sunset entering the room followed by Shadow.

Celestia gave Sunset a warm smile as she embraced her former student in a loving embrace. While giving Shadow a scowl over Sunset's shoulder. Shadow scoffed at the alicorn's attitude and said, "if you have an issue with me YOUR HIGHNESS, tell me now otherwise leave the attitude at the door. I defeat..." An "Oomph!" sound exited the stallion's mouth as Sunset kicked him in the chest with her back right hoof.

"Ow," muttered Shadow.

While Sunset remained quiet her glare said, "You better stop or else."

"Ahem... Sorry Celestia I was a bit out of line," said Shadow.

"Princess," said Sunset chiding Shadow under her breath.

Shadow stared at his companion in defiance.

"Maybe we should let Starswirl speak. I have many questions about what he wrote in his journals regarding our current... issue," said Twilight breaking the tension and trying to avoid upsetting Shadow. The worried expression on Shadow's face said otherwise.

********************

Starswirl the Bearded gazed at everypony in the room, his eyes stopping on Shadow. "He is so much like Eventide it is uncanny. I must know how he came to be in this time and place. But first the meeting," thought Starswirl.

The ancient wizard spoke of the time he himself was a foal in the small town of Timber Falls. The only noise in the room was the sound of the flickering candles as their flames danced, casting an eerie yellow glow among those gathered. Every pony was entranced, Shadow most of all. Starswirl's re-telling struck a chord of familiarity with the young stallion. When the wizard reached the part about Eventide, Shadow grabbed his head reeling in pain "my... head." An echoing voice resounded in his mind dredging up broken images of something or someone. "Only you my little Shadow... only you..."

"Shadow what's wrong?" asked Sunset worriedly.

"I have a headache," said Shadow slowly rubbing his temples.

"Do you need a respite from the gathering?"

"I am alright Sunset! The pain seems to be subsiding," lied Shadow.

As Starswirl continued his tale Shadow's migraine worsened as he focused on the name Eventide. While concentrating the young stallion missed the part of the wizard's story about Eventide and her twins vanishing from the village. Distorted fuchsia colored images of a woman started to take shape only to disappear with the sudden interruption of Celestia. "So, if you were unable to save Stella and had to seal her away what other course of action do you suggest Starswirl?"

"I am sorry your majesty I don't know of a way to save those possessed. The best way to save them may be to just end the threat once and for all," replied Starswirl.

"So, you mean to kill Stella which in turn will likely kill Trixie as well!" shouted Shadow.

"If it comes to that then you’re correct my boy."

"Some all-powerful wizard you are!"

"I am sorry Shadow, but that is the way it has to be. Grishadria's rampage can no longer go unchecked."

"Demon or no demon I will protect my sister at all costs," replied Shadow seething with anger. Whirls of purple fire flickered in the stallion’s fuchsia eyes.

"Sacrificing Trixie and Stella to save countless lives! That isn't a plan that's just the easy way out. Don't you love Stella?" said Sunset sternly.

"DON'T YOU DARE LECTURE ME ON LOVE AND SACRIFICE YOUNG LADY! I HAVE KNOWN BOTH," shouted Starswirl.

"I will save Trixie!" replied Sunset unfazed by Starswirl's outburst.

The old wizard's expression softened a little towards Sunset. "Ah... To be young and fool of hope. I do miss the days of being ignorant to life. I am sorry my dear, but hope won't change the facts. The ones we love are gone. They ceased being themselves and are now Grishadria. Death is their only salvation."

"We won't let that happen," interjected Twilight with a reassuring expression.

Celestia glanced towards her former student. Twilight's face showed strength, but her eyes screamed "please do something before chaos breaks free." The ruler of the sun cleared her throat drawing the attention of everypony gathered. "It is getting late and tensions are on the rise. Let us postpone our strategies until tomorrow." All nodded in agreement and proceeded to exit the map room.

*******************

Starlight Glimmer led Shadow and sunset to the guest chambers on her side of the crystal castle.

"Wow that was... Some meeting," said Starlight trying to break the tension in the hallway.

"That's one way of putting it," replied Sunset.

"I really thought Shadow was going to go all nightmare and kill Starswirl."

"He was closer than you think Starlight, and I wasn't far behind."

"Woah! Sunset you can turn into a nightmare as well. When did this happen?" said Starlight with childlike excitement.

"Just recently," replied Sunset glancing towards Shadow, whom in turn shied away from the two mares.

"Please tell me everything and don't leave out any details."

Sunset looked towards Shadow seeking permission. Shadow shrugged his shoulders as if to say, "it's your call." Sunset taking the que, recounted her brief time as a nightmare and what she and Shadow discovered.

"Wow... That is amazing to think that Shadow's powers sync with yours to create the nightmare transformation. Sunset your existence brings new meaning to the words hot headed."

Sunset released a snort as she laughed at her friends joke.

The trio made their way down the hallway pausing at a set of ten-foot-tall oak doors. "Here we are. My room is just three doors down on the left. Sunset, you and Shadow may use any of these four rooms" said Starlight pointing to the two pairs of double doors on either side of the crystalline hall.

"Thanks Starlight."

With a nod of her head Starlight bid her friend a good night and left the couple to their thoughts.

"I guess this is where I say good night as well," said Shadow.

"It... doesn't have to be..." replied Sunset staring into his eyes.

Shadow returned the mare's gaze as he silently watched her body language. Sunset's facial expression turned into one of worry as she mistook his silence as rejection. "You don't have to if you don't want to..." said Sunset with a dejected "sigh!"

Shadow's expression softened as he gently nuzzled his companion. "Believe me Sunshim... I want to... I really want to... but is this what you want?"

"Yes... I don't want to be alone tonight."

Shadow gazed longingly into his companion's aqua eyes. The dim candlelight reflecting in her watery pools made Sunset more desirable. Shadow's knees buckled causing him to stumble. Sunset released soft giggle as she led Shadow through the double doors they were standing in front of.

********************

Shadow leaned in pressing his lips to hers. Sunset passionately returned the kiss. Slowly the couple made their way over to the large bed. shadow's tongue explored to the depths of Sunset's mouth, tasting something sweet like honey. The couple pulled apart for a few seconds to breath.

"Whoever said kissing tastes like lemon drops is wrong. It tasted like sweet honey," said Shadow.

"I would have to say it tastes more like cinnamon," replied Sunset, taking the lead this time.

Sunset entwined her legs around Shadow as he pressed back. Their equine bodies outlined in the soft glow of the moon's light, ungulate like ocean waves caressing the sand. The couple was entranced by each other, as they danced to a tune that only they could here. What started out as a gentle cuddle session turned into a night of burning passion as the young couple became one.

********************

Shadow in a deep sleep, was pulled to the astral plane, when a deep elderly voice called out to him.

"Shadow... Shadow... Shadow..."

The young stallion slowly opened his wearied eyes, glanced around at his surroundings. "How am I in this place?"

"I called you here," said a familiar voice.

"This can't be possible Sunset isn't even here," said Shadow turning to face the owner of the gruff elderly voice.

"You don't need your friend to be able to explore the astral plane. The ability to come and go as you please, is all you Shadow," said Starswirl.

"Didn't you just say you called me?"

"I did but you answered and came of your own volition. Astral manipulation runs in your family and if you are anything like Eventide... I can expect great and scary things from you."

"Why are you here wizard? Last time I saw you, you wanted to kill my sister."

"True, but I have had some time to think and if my little experiment works then there just may be a way to safely end this with minimal sacrifice. One cannot change causality without sacrificing something in return."

"Get to the point."

"You are just like her."

"Her... Her who?"

"Eventide," replied Starswirl with a sorrowful expression.

"Are you Sunset's mentor because you are not making any sense. Who is Eventide and what does she have to do with me?”

"She is your mother."

"Right... Did you hit your head on one of those stars? My mother is human and quite a bitch, and last time I checked she wasn't a pastel pony."

"Alight would you care to wager to see who is right, my boy?" said Starswirl with a wicked grin.

"Alright gramps, I will bite. What do I have to do?"

"Just concentrate on Eventide."

"I tried that during your long-winded lecture earlier. All I got in return was blurry images of something fuchsia and a bad migraine."

Starswirl never once mentioning Eventide's color just smiled at the young stallion. "My theory was correct the boy has latent vision abilities as well," thought Starswirl.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing... Nothing my boy just concentrate."

"Like I said... Ouch!" said Shadow as Starswirl smacked him on the head.

"This is the astral plane; you’re not hindered by your physical body at the moment."

Shadow gave the wizard a skeptical expression. "Fine... Fine."

Just close your eyes and listen to the sound of my voice, Shadow."

Reluctantly, Shadow followed the wizard's instructions. Lowering his voice to barely a whisper Starswirl began to describe Eventide. At first nothing seemed to happen, causing Shadow to grunt in frustration, but as the seconds passed Starswirl's words became background noise as distorted images appeared. The young stallion looked from one image to another and finally his gaze lingered on one. Drawn to the picture like a moth to a flame, Shadow cantered over to it.

Starlwirl watched intently as the young unicorn's eyes went from fuchsia to a milky white and then walk over to a nearby star. "Star visions," said the wizard with a smile.

The wizard began to chant softly. A blue glow emanated from his horn as the spell intensified until the chanting ceased. Starswirl watched as a thin red ethereal thread appeared from his horn and tethered itself to Shadow's horn. Connected by the red string of love Starswirl was able to see what Shadow saw.

"How ironic... this child is all that is left of Stella's legacy, her only salvation... my redemption."

Tears escaped the wizard's eyes splashing into the star filled void.

********************

The vision revealed a beautiful yet delicate woman with pale fuchsia skin. Her face was framed by long disheveled silver hair that had two blue streaks and two purple streaks that ran from the bangs, down her back. The woman's gentle smiled filled Shadow with joy and longing. Cradled in her arms was Trixie and Shadow as newborns. suddenly the right arm Trixie was nestled in faltered. The baby slipped out of her mother's grasp, but right before Trixie hit the floor a man appeared, catching the infant. Shadow recognized his father instantly. The young father held his daughter in his left arm while his right hand held his wife's hand. Seconds flew by as a doctor entered the hospital room. Shadow was unable to hear what was said, but from the expression on his father's face it wasn't good news. Eventide smiled at her husband and said, "everything will be alright." From his point of view Shadow new the woman was lying. Her sad sky-blue eyes revealed the truth. Shadow felt a tightening in his throat, as tears ran free shouted, "Mom!" The young stallion reached for the image as it faded to stardust.

Another image replacing the first, revealed Shadow's father staring at a gravestone.

Eventide, heart of gold loved by all.

Just as quickly as it appeared it vanished, as the third vision took its place. This vision depicted a fuchsia unicorn with all the features of her human self except for the cutie mark of a silver crescent moon hovering over and ocean wave. Eventide, dancing among the stars was attacked by the spider possessed Trixie. The image shifted to the young mare racing through her house trying to reach her children. The familiar scene of inky black tendrils played out. Shadow wanted to pull away but felt that this vision was somehow very important. He continued to watch. Just as Shadow and Trixie turned to astral essence Eventide whispered. "Only you my little Shadow... only you." The young mare ripped from her world by the tendrils vanished into the void.

********************

Shadow reared back, breathing heavily.

"Now everything makes sense," said Starswirl from behind, embracing the young stallion.

"How is any of this possible? How can my mother be a pony and a human?"

"Astral essence my boy."

"I don't understand."

"Think of astral essence as the blood of time. All living things exist in the flow of time and space. Right now, you and I are floating outside of that flow while in our astral forms. If I were to prick you right now you would leak astral essence."

"How does my mother and I fit into all of this?"

"I was just getting to that my boy... Within time there are spacial pockets which we refer to as dimensions. Your human world exists in one while Equestria exists in another. Just to keep things simple I won't go any further than that, because time is a beast all on its own. Your world runs parallel to Equestria. A better example would be folding a piece of paper in half and dripping ink on it. Now if you were to unfold the paper you will have two identical stains, referred to as two sides of the same coin."

"I understand parallel theory."

"Good then I can skip right to the next part," replied Starswirl.

Shadow nodded his agreement.

"In the physical realm there is a place holder representing you in every dimension as well as Eventide. In both dimensions she is your biological mother but in others this may not be the case. But as far as our example is concerned that doesn't really matter. Here in the astral plane biology is irrelevant. Astral essence just represents one entity no matter how many different physical manifestations there may be."

Shadow stared in confusion.

"Astral essence is the blood flow of time. Water is the blood flow of the physical realm. All living things are made up of mostly water with a pinch of astral essence. Without either you die. My Eventide is the parallel of you mother. In both worlds she gave birth to a Shadow. Since our worlds are two sides of the same coin. Human you and pony you are one in the same. This is also true for your sister and mother. Both Eventides are made up of the same astral essence. In that last vision the twins lost their physical bodies and became astral essence. Like all energy astral essence changes form to fit the needs of time. In this instance the astral essence of the pony twins merged with the essence of the human counterparts. So as far as time is concerned Eventide is your mother. I bet if the other Shadow was still alive your biology would be an almost identical match."

Shadow stared at the wizard, absorbing every word he said. For some strange reason Shadow understood.

"If my sister Trixie died in this dimension how was I talking to her not to long ago."

"I could never prove that she died, I assumed that was the case given the circumstances."

"Really?"

"That is correct believe it or not, it is all the same to me."

"humor me old man. Given me your best guess."

"Fine, fine. I will play your little game. After watching that scene where the foal twins vanished, I believe their essence was carried forward in time. Kind of like a forced reincarnation."

"That theory boarders on religious faith, not science. It doesn't even explain how pony Trixie would have a separate birth mother from Eventide."

"It could be as simple as an astral implantation."

"What?"

"The closest thing I can relate it to is a form of surrogacy."

"But trixie told me herself that her twin brother had died at birth."

"Maybe after implantation the surrogate carried the twins to full term and he died due to complications."

Shadow stared questioningly at the wizard.

Starswirl, ignored Shadow, saying, "That bit of knowledge isn't what is important. What you must know is that Stella used a forbidden spell, and transformed into the Spider Demon Grishadria over one thousand years ago. Before I and the other pillars sealed ourselves with the Pony of Shadows in a pocket dimension to save the world. We sealed the demon in that onyx spider. This happened shortly after I lost Eventide. I don't have all the details of what transpired during that time; just what has been told to me. Only just recently was I rescued by Twilight and her friends from that void."

"Who exactly are you Starswirl?" asked Shadow.

"I am just an old fool who did not realize what was important until it was too late... Whatever happens my boy never lose sight of what is important to you. Fight with everything you have."

********************

The morning sunlight peeked through the bedroom window casting its warm glow over the sleeping couple. Shadow woke up in a cold sweat, panicking until he remembered where he was. Staring down at the sleeping form of his lover Shadow gently wrapped his front legs around Sunset in a loving embrace. The unicorn's sudden movement startled Sunset awake.

"Shadow?" said the groggy mare.

"Hush my love go back to sleep," whispered Shadow.

Sunset's eyes shot open. "L... O...V... E!"

Unable to form words, Sunset panicked; fear and sadness overtaking her. Memories of the lost future flooded her mind. After several minutes of silence, the mare peered into Shadow's fuchsia eyes and lied.

"Shadow I am sorry... but last night was just sex. There was no meaning behind it... I was just lonely."

"That's a lie. I know that you feel the same way about me..."

Sunset closed herself off just like she did before she escaped through the mirror. "I don't know what to say Shadow. All that I wanted last night was sex with no strings attached."

"So, you just used me?" choked, Shadow. Shocked and betrayed, he stumbled out of bed.

"Yes."

The stallion stood glaring. Seething with rage Shadow turned his back to Sunset Shimmer, storming out of the room.

With Shadow gone Sunset was no longer able to hold back her emotions. "I am so sorry... It has to be this way... You deserve better than a broken woman."

Sunset's tears cascaded down her cheeks, soaking the sheets.

"Shadow I will always love you..."